The American Heritage Dictionary gives three definitions of target language:,
- 1) The language into which a text written in another language is to be translated.
- 2) A language that a nonnative speaker is in the process of learning.
3) Computers The computer language, often a machine language, into which a document written in another computer language is to be translated.
In all senses also called object language.
Dictionary.com gives two definitions and compares it with source language:
- 1) the language into which a text is to be translated from another language.
Compare source language- 2) a language, especially a foreign language, that one is in the process of learning.
Compare source language.
According to Ngrm the expression "target language" is from the '50s.
Questions:
-
Is "target language" a colloquial or a formal/technical expression?
For instance, could a foreign student say that English is their target language meaning that they are studying English as a foreign language? -
In which context is the expression most commonly used today?
- When and in what context was the expression originally used?
Best Answer
Based on the above dictionary definitions, it seems it is valid to say "English is my target language." However, I do not believe that this expression is in common use and it does not sound entirely "correct" to my ears.
If I heard someone say "English is my target language" with no context, I would not immediately jump to the conclusion that he was learning English as a second language. I'd have to ask for clarification.
In my mind, the word target does not go well with language. When target is used as a modifier, it implies that an action is directed toward or at that object.
For example, the target audience is the audience that you are directing the action of talking (most likely but it could be other actions like selling) to. The target voter block is the set of people you are trying to appeal to. The target school is the school you are directing the action of "trying to get accepted" at. (I was actually having trouble coming up with nouns that "target" could modify).
When target is used to modify language, it almost sounds like you are trying to direct an action at "language". But "learning" which is the action that would be understood to be directed doesn't really have that feel in English. English considers "learning" to be more of a passive action.
Just a disclaimer, and anyone please comment if you know better, but this is entirely speculation made up on the spot by me.
That being said, I know that "English is my target language" is not a good way to say that you are learning English.
With regard to your other question, I do not believe "target language" is a common expression used in English at all (Regardless of formality).