LC THEORY

Question 1

Halliday’s Functional Theory

Answer 1

Language changes because of the needs of its users. As society evolves, so do linguistic requirements.

Question 2

Hockett’s Random Fluctuation Theory

Answer 2

Language change happens due to the random and unpredictable fluctuations in human communication.

Question 3

Jespersen’s Linguistic Efficiency Theory

Answer 3

Language change leads inevitably to increased linguistic efficiency.
We desire to speak distinctly, but equally with ease.

Question 4

French’s text speak theory

Answer 4

The compression of language in text speak has influenced the development of abbreviation, slang and new word forms.
An effort to codify.

Question 5

Aitchison’s S-Curve Model

Answer 5

Explains how language change spreads. Initially, change happens slowly, then accelerates as more people adopt it, and finally slows down once it becomes widely accepted

Question 6

Bailey’s Wave Model

Answer 6

Suggests that language change starts in one particular area (or among a specific group of people) and spreads outwards

Question 7

Sharon Goodman

Answer 7

informalisation, where language becomes less formal across all areas of society. She argues that modern technology, media, and changing social values have broken down traditional boundaries

Question 8

David Crystal’s democratisation

Answer 8

Ordinary people, not just expers, have the power to change and influence language.

Question 9

Suzanne Romaine

Answer 9

Distinction between internal and external causes of language change. Internal factors include things like analogy and simplification, while external influences involve contact with other cultures and languages