RE: Language X within scope of language Y

> From: John Cowan [mailto:jcowan@reutershealth.com]

> "Native" may be too strong, especially in languages of wider
communication
> that cross country boundaries.  Swahili is probably a case of this:
> six out of seven speakers are non-native, and it is heavily used in
> several countries.

Fair enough, though coming up with a truly accurate definition that
deals with all sociolinguistic possibilities would be rather difficult.
Even allowing for L2 speakers it's not obvious how to express the right
idea. "FSI level 5 competency" comes to mind, but wouldn't mean much to
a lot of people.


Peter Constable