Language Change Theories and Processes Flashcards
What is the functional theory
Language changes according to the needs of the users. Words can become obsolete and drop out of usage but huge numbers of new words have entered the language. It also joins and disregards words at a quick rate but words can also be recycled and be brought back into circulation. Slang also changes creating new words or new usages and then discarding them as they strive for social and personal/ group. expression
Give an example that supports the functional theory
“Vinyl”, “cassette”, “LP” have been replaced with “MP3”, “USB”, “flash drive”.
What is the substratum theory?
Focuses on the influence of different forms of language that come into contact with the English language through speakers of other languages or English dialects. Substratum emphasises the way words mean, structures, written form or sound may change overtime. Influence from the language of the various armies which have invaded Britain throughout the old English period gave English new words.
Give an example that supports the substratum theory
Jewish community in New York who spoke Yiddish and they altered their pronunciation patterns of words when they hyper corrected their use of English. Coffee as /caw-fee/
What is the random fluctuation theory? (name?)
James Hockett 1958-“Fashions in language are as unpredictable as fashion in clothes” Even random errors can create such changes.
Give an example that supports the random fluctuation theory
“book” meaning “cool”. This was coined by accident by people typing in “cool” on a mobile and predictive texting changing it to “book” hence it developed into regular use.
What is the Sapir- Whorf hypothesis?
Linguistic determinism- that the language we use profoundly affects how we think. To change attitudes we need to change language.
