Historical overview (lang change)

Question 1

What are the common metaphors on the ‘state’ of the English language

Answer 1

• Decay
• Evolution
• Stalemate

Question 2

What is the metaphor of decay on the state of language?

Answer 2

• Concerns about the decline in the standard of English.
• Change is due to a lack of care and maintenance.

Question 3

What is the metaphor of evolution on the state of language?

Answer 3

• Lang is in a more efficient state - a survival of the fittest.
• Lang is adapting to the needs of the times.

Question 4

What is the metaphor of stalemate on the state of language

Answer 4

• Language remains in a substantially similar state from the point of view of ‘decay’ or ‘progress’.
• Its advance or decline is held in check by opposing forces.

Question 5

What did Thomas Wilson say about language change (key quote)?

Answer 5

• 1553, ‘some seke so farre outlandishe English, thei forget altogether their mother’s language.’
• Claims people choose to forget the ‘old lang’.
• Lots of immigration, trade, people wanting to business and seeking a better life.

Question 6

What did Daniel Defoe say about language change (key quote)?

Answer 6

• 1667, society should ‘purge it (English) from all irregular additions that ignorance and affection have introduc’d’.
• Should get rid of all language change, ‘purify’ it.

Question 7

What did Jonathon Swift say about language change (key quote)?

Answer 7

• 1712, ‘our language is extremely imperfect, pretenders have multiplied abuses and absurdities’
• Thinks the English language is being attacked and is being corrupted by people.

Question 8

What did Anon say about language change (key quote)?

Answer 8

• 1999, ‘standards of BBC fallen due to illiterates bombarding us with sloppy cliches and bad grammar.’
• ‘Dreary Birmingham accents and lazy northern bluster.’
• Views non standard language/accents as inferior and the quality of BBC programmes has declined because of this.