What is the term for the incorporation of words from one language into another?

The correct term for the incorporation of words from one language into another is borrowing. Borrowing occurs when a language adopts words, phrases, or expressions from another language, often due to cultural contact or influence. This process enriches the vocabulary of the borrowing language and can occur in various forms, such as through immigration, trade, or technological exchange.

For instance, English has borrowed numerous words from languages such as French (e.g., "ballet"), Spanish (e.g., "fiesta"), and Italian (e.g., "piano"). The term emphasizes the idea that while the words are used in the new language, they retain their original form and meaning to varying degrees.

In contrast, code-switching refers to alternating between languages or language varieties in conversation. Cognates are words in different languages that have a common origin and are similar in form and meaning, like "mother" in English and "mater" in Latin. Compounding involves creating new words by combining two or more existing words, such as "notebook" made from "note" and "book." Each of these terms describes distinct linguistic phenomena that do not specifically refer to the act of adopting foreign terms.