Ideology

Question 1

political correctness (1975)

Answer 1

used to describe language policies and measures that are intended primarily not to offend or disadvantage any particular group of people in society. In the media the term is generally used as a pejorative implying that these policies are excessive

Question 2

Semantic change and political correctness

Answer 2

Some semantic change has arisen from the desire for political correctness. There has been a drive to replace words and expressions considered offensive or demeaning to disadvantage minority groups. However, these words over time can over time, become offensive themselves, a process referred to by Stephen Pinker as a euphemism treadmill.

Question 3

Religion

Answer 3

a constant theme in old texts. we have now moved on from a Christian Society to a Secular Society

Question 4

The Church

Answer 4

the largest number of words were borrowed for use in religious services since the french speaking normans took control of the church in England

Question 5

French loan words.

Answer 5

After the Norman conquest and up to 1250 about 900 words were borrowed during this phase with most of them showing the effects of Anglo-Norman phonology. By 1400 however 10,000 french words were borrowed into Middle English and 75% of these words are still in use. These words quickly assimilated into English by adding English suffixes onto the french words such as ‘gentle’ to ‘gentlewoman’.