Language Change Theorists

Question 1

Who is the theorist that criticises the three Prescriptivist myths?

Answer 1

Aitchison

Question 2

What does Aitchinson say about the crumbling castle myth?

Answer 2

It’s false because the English Language has never been perfect as it is always changing

Question 3

What does Aitchinson say about the infectious disease?

Answer 3

Aitchison suggests that it’s correct that language spreads, but it is not a disease. Language change happens because people want it too.

Question 4

What does Atchinson say about the damp spoon myth?

Answer 4

Some people who talk ‘Non-Standard English’ actually talk quicker, therefore, they are not lazy

Question 5

Name the theorist who is a Descriptivist, but defends Prescriptivism?

Answer 5

Cameron

Question 6

What does Cameron think about Prescriptivism?

Answer 6

She is a descriptivist but she argues that Prescriptivism should not be regarded as people being fussy.

Prescriptivism shows that people care about their language

Question 7

What is the ‘functional theory’

Give two examples.

Answer 7

Functional theory states that language changes according to the need of it’s users.

1) Technology change is the cause of certain words coming into the English Language: DVD, USB, VIDEO
2) People discard words at a rapid rate to fulfil people’s need for identity (constant language change)