Language Change Flashcards
Define the Damp Spoon Syndrome
Language change occurs due to laziness or sloppiness
Define the Crumbling Castle analogy
The English language is a great, old castle that needs to be protected and preserved
Define the Infectious Disease theory
We catch language change from others, and we do it by choice
What is the view of a Descriptivist?
Language change is inevitable and we should welcome it
What is their view of a Prescriptivist?
High English standards should be maintained and spoken language is less valuable
Who said “Time changes all things: there is no reason why language should escape this universal law.”?
Ferdinand DeSassure
Who said “The history of all Aryan languages is nothing but a gradual process of decay.”?
Max Müller
Who said “There can never be a moment of true standstill in language, just as little as in the ceaseless flaming thought of men. By nature it is continuous process of development.”?
Wilhelm Von Humboldt
