Main Theories of Language Change Flashcards
What are the 5 main theories?
Lexical gaps Random fluctuation and cultural transmission Substratum theory Functional theory Wave and S-curve model
What do “gaps” refer to in lexical gaps?
The words and usages which are not currently used in the language but fit existing linguistic patterns.
Example of a phonological lexical gap
Going into the 20th century: ‘pap’, ‘pip’, ‘pop’ and ‘pup’ all follow the general rule of p(vowel)p but ‘pep’ does not even though it would make sense phonologically
What are the three ways that lexical gaps are made?
- morphology - adding inflections etc onto existing words
- converting an existing word and changing it’s class “verbing”
- through phonological structure
Example of a morphological lexical gap
abstract nouns: transgression, impression, confession
all have the verb counterpart formed by the omission of the “ion” suffix.
however: aggression and compassion do not have this, although formed in a similar way
Example of a conversion lexical gap
verb forms are created from existing nouns (often from the field of technology)
to text -> texting
What is random fluctuation and cultural transmission?
The changes that occur in language as response to the ever-changing context of language use and its users. They are random occurances
Who put forward the random fluctuation theory and when?
Charles Hockett, 1958
What is the case of random fluctuation?
It is not that language’s decaying but that everything is changing an developing
Example of random fluctuation
“book” as a synonym for “cool” this is due to typing ‘c o o l’ in predictive text came up with the word ‘book’ instead
What does the substratum theory focus on?
The influences of different languages which come into contact with English
Where do you see substratum theory happening more?
In large groups of immigrants within an area. Because there is such a large group of them they have the ability to influence the English used within the area
How did the substratum theory (Old English) work?
The forces that invaded Britain throughout the Old English period. They brought in some of their own words which we still use today
How does the substratum theory (Modern) work?
Words borrowed from other languages whether through immigration or cultural connection
Example of substratum theory
(Research by Labov)
Jewish community in New York
Spoke Yiddish
Hyper-corrected the pronunciation of certain words and sounds
e.g. “coffee” = “caw-fee”
These are now noticeable features of a New York accent
What is the general idea of Functional Theory
Language changes according to the needs of its users. It changes because our world changes and we need new words and language to accommodate this.
What is the main area (topic) which is affected by Functional Theory?
Technology
What is the main area of language which Functional theory affects?
Lexical, although all area of language can be affected
How else does Functional Theory work?
Through colloquial usage and slang of individual groups.
How does slang change words in language? (FT)
To fulfil the needs of its users and express individuality. It changes language at a rapid rate and not only does it coin new words but also takes words which have fallen out of use and recycle them.
How do words fall out of use? (FT)
They become obsolete or dated
What do the S curve and Wave Models do?
Explain the way in which language change occurs. Linguistics found that change didn’t occur over-night, but it happened much more gradually. The two models help to illustrate this
Who put forward the idea of the S-curve model?
Chen (1968 and 1972)
What is the idea of the S-curve Model?
Change was taken up by its users at a certain rate.
First - change is minimal (only few words would be affected)
Then - change accelerates (affecting the majority of words)
Lastly - change slows (only few words were left to effect and it levels out)
