Language change Flashcards
Aitchison’s PIDC model
This explains language change in a series of steps and how new words arise due to a ‘potential’ a need for a word
implementation- it is implemented by influencers , the media
diffusion- refers to the widespread action of the word, where it becomes public use.
codification: word becomes official by the dictionary
The substratum theory
refers to how language change is due to factors like occupational lexis, sociolects, dialects ect
their change over time
refers to how different varieties affect mainstream language use
The S curve model
refers through the process of language change how there is a need for a word
goes from inception to mass usage for example brexit
Functional theory
refers to how language changes according to a need of usage by its users
overarching theory but can be used to explain anarchisms of technology- words like cassette and VHS have become archaic, words like Blu ray and CD have been introduced due to its need for use and inventions
Random fluctuation theory
how language change is random
random events and errors
every changing contextual factors like ‘book’ became synonymous with ‘cool’ due to autocorrect
What is the lexical gap theory
Lexical gaps refer to words or word usages that do not currently exist but fit the existing language patterns well, For example, the words ‘pap’, ‘pip’, ‘pop’ and ‘pup’ all existed as words in the 1900s, but ‘pep’ did not. It seems its phonological structure made it likely to become one in the future (which it did!)
Lexical gaps are often ‘filled’ when certain morphemes are present. For example, the words impression, confession and digression all contain add the -ion suffix (a free morpheme) to the base forms ‘impress’, ‘confess’ and ‘digress’. However, the -ion suffix in the words ‘aggression’ & ‘compassion’ is a bound morpheme as the words ‘aggress’ & ‘compass’ do not exist. In future they might.
Fairclough talks about the informalisation of language - what does this mean and in which sectors is this happening?
Fairclough has noticed that advertisements and marketing texts are increasingly attempting to mimic speech.
He calls this conversationalisation (a narrower term than informalisation
Semantic reclamation is an important process of change; what does it mean and why is it important?
(provide examples)
Semantic reclamation is when an oppressed group reclaims a word used against them. When a word is reappropriated, the disparaged group adapts the context in which the slur is used, making it more difficult for oppressors to use it against them. For example ‘paki’ ‘n’ word
Define the process by which language becomes more diverse, inclusive and sensitive
Euphemisms are words and phrases that are used to soften the blow of something making less controversial, less
offensive and more sensitive, and inclusive. Over time words like ‘handicap’ have fallen out of use and words like ‘special needs’ have been used (though
these are also criticises) vertically challenged (short)
Define and provide an example of amelioration
when the meaning of a word becomes more positive over time for example, pretty used to mean
sly and cunning and now means attractive
Define and provide an example of pejoration
When meaning of a word become more negative over time for example ‘silly’ used to mean happy and blessed
and now mean ‘foolish’
Define and provide an example of compounding
When two pre-existing and separate words are put together to create a new word. For example: bedroom, blackbird, bookcase
Define and provide an example of semantic narrowing.
Semantic narrowing is the narrowing of meaning. This happens when a word with a general meaning is applied to something more specific. Meat used to mean food in general and now it means the flesh of an animal. Liquor used to mean liquids in general and now it mean alcoholic drinks.
Define and provide an example of semantic widening.
Semantic widening is when the meaning of a word become more general over time. For example ‘business’ A word that meant “busy, careworn, or anxious,” and now means “a corporation or occupation.”
Define and provide an example of blending
When a new word created by combing only parts of two separate words. Staycation = stay + vacation, brunch breakfast + lunch.
