language
noun [ C or U ]
uk/ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/ us COMMUNICATIONS
the method of human communication that uses speaking and writing, or the system of communication in speaking and writing that is used by the people of a particular country:
learn/understand a language It's easier to learn a language when you're younger.
speak/use a language 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Many British people speak no foreign languages.
in a language Business deals often go more smoothly if you can speak to people in their own language.
Too many children leave school with poor language skills, unable to compose a letter or email.
The company offers language classes for employees posted abroad.
COMMUNICATIONS
a particular style of speaking or writing, for example, one that is used by the people doing a particular job:
When you are giving instructions, make sure you use language that everyone can understand.
the language of sth They speak the language of international finance.
IT
written instructions, for example, rules and symbols, given to a computer so it can understand what the user wants it to do:
This version of the UNIX language serves as a software platform for computer programs.
speak/talk the same language
to understand someone because you have the same way of thinking about things, or of doing things:
Our businesses complement each other, and we speak the same language.
See also
assembly language
body language
computer language
machine language
object language
official language
programming language
world language