Language Change) Semantic Change Flashcards
Semantic change
Eg
When meanings of words shift over time
Eg awful originally meant ‘inspiring wonder’
Neosemy
New meaning develops for a word
Processes of semantic change . 6
Narrowing Weakening Amelioration Perjoration Functional shift Broadening
Narrowing
Eg
Meaning of word narrows
Eg ‘meat’ used to mean food in general
Weakening
Eg
Word loses its impact/power
Eg ‘terrible’ used to meaning causing terror
Amelioration
Eg
Meaning becomes more positive
Eg nice used to mean foolish
Perjoration
Eg
Meaning becomes more negative
‘Notorious’ used to mean well known
Functional shift
Eg
Word class changes Eg text
Broadening
Eg
Meaning of word broadens
Eg butcher used to mean slaughterer of goods
Why do words change meaning. 5
Political correctness Technology Social attitudes Culture Similarities
Linguistic reflectionism
Our language reflects our thoughts
Linguistic determinism
Language determines and shapes our world view
Criticisms of linguistic determinism. 3
No way of proving whether language determines thought, vice versa
Those without language wouldn’t think - how do babies learn
What about autistic ppl who may not have language but good thought
