6 Theorists for Language Change

Question 1

Chen’s Theory

Answer 1

• S Curve
• changes at a slow pace and increases speed as it becomes more commonly used.
• laggers of the curve are generations that the change doesn’t reach.

Question 2

Bailey’s Theory

Answer 2

• Wave Theory
• The closer you are to the epicentre, the bigger the impact of change is.
• If it doesn’t reach you, you are outside the wave.

Question 3

Aitchison’s Theory

Answer 3

• Metaphors of Language Change
• Damp Spoon: laziness, slang words spread because people get lazy with formality
• Crumbling Castle: something perfect is falling apart and it should be preserved
• Infectious Disease: spreads change rapidly between people

Answer 4

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