Language Change Models and Theories Flashcards
Who made the S Curve Model?
Chen, 1972
What is the S Curve Model
People pick up language change at a gradual rate before it accelerates and spreads into wider usage before slowing down again
Who made the Wave Model?
Bailey, 1973
What is the Wave Model?
People from the language ‘epicentre’ will be less aware of change and is less likely to pick up the language
Who created the Random Fluctuation Theory?
Charles Hockett, 1958
What is the Random Fluctuation Theory?
Random mistakes and events lead to language change e.g. misspelling of ‘owned’ as ‘pwned’ has become common term in the online gaming community
What are Lexical Gaps?
When a word that could exist, doesn’t- e.g. when parents lose children these is no word
What is the Substratum Theory?
English language changes through contact with other languages- in past through trade and invasion; know through networking and immigration
Who created the Functional Theory?
Halliday
What is the Functional Theory?
Halliday proposed language changes and adapts according to needs of its users e.g. ‘CD’ instead of ‘Cassette’
