noun
common language; lingua franca
Refers to a language used for communication between groups with different native languages, such as English in international settings or a regional trade language.
英語は国際的な共通語として使われている。
English is used as an international common language.
スワヒリ語は東アフリカの共通語の一つだ。
Swahili is one of the lingua francas of East Africa.
noun
standard language; national standard variety
In Japanese linguistics, often contrasted with 方言 (dialect); refers to the standardized form of a language understood nationwide, such as 標準語.
日本では、東京方言を基にした共通語が全国で通じる。
In Japan, the common language based on the Tokyo dialect is understood nationwide.
学校では共通語を話すように指導される。
At school, students are instructed to speak the standard language.