Language Change) Orthography

Question 1

Orthography

Answer 1

Spelling and punctuation

Question 2

Reasons for abolishing apostrophe. 5

Answer 2

Avoids confusion over if they should be used or not
Rarely makes a semantic difference 
Wasteful
Current technology makes them confusing 
Tool of snobbery

Question 3

Reasons for keeping the apostrophe . 3

Answer 3

To get rid of it would be an example of ‘dumbing down’
Would distress many citizens if abolished
Teaches kids correct grammar and punctuation

Question 4

Standardisation

Answer 4

Process of making language more uniformed

Question 5

Grammarians

Answer 5

Ppl who study and write about grammar (producing grammar rule books)

Question 6

Lexicographer

Answer 6

Person who compiled dictionaries

Question 7

Significant events of standardisation . 3

Answer 7

Cartons printing press (1476)
Johnson’s dictionary (1755)
Webster’s American English reforms (late 1700s)

Question 8

Caxtons printing press (1476) features. 4

Answer 8

First printing press
Identical copies of text could be produced
Chose dialects being used in courts, universities and in London at time
Feeling of prestige

Question 9

Johnson’s dictionary (1755) features . 3

Answer 9

Not first but largest dictionary
Provided standard reference point
At first hoped to ‘fix’ variation but realised language is ever changing and should describe not prescribe it

Question 10

Webster’s American spelling reforms (late 1700s) features

Answer 10

Concerned with divide between spoken and written forms

Wanted a system of American spelling that was equal or superior to British English

Question 11

Orthographic changes in 1600s. 3

Answer 11

Upper case letters used for all nouns
Upper case used at start of sentence
Used for emphasis by writer where appropriate

Question 12

Orthographic changes in 1700s

Answer 12

Grammarians restricted their use