Processes of lexis and semantic change Flashcards
What is lexical change?
The process through which new words come into language.
What is semantic change?
The idea that the meanings of words can change over time.
What is neosemy?
The process whereby a new meaning develops for an existing word.
Define generalisation/broadening in semantic change.
Meaning of a word broadens; retains old meaning but takes on added meanings.
Provide an example of generalisation/broadening.
Whitehouse, heavy – meaning serious in slang and literally heavy.
Define specialising/narrowing in semantic change.
A word becomes more specific in meaning.
Provide an example of specialising/narrowing.
Meat – used to mean food in general, now refers to a particular type of food.
What is amelioration in semantic change?
Over time, a word acquires a more pleasant/positive meaning.
What is pejoration?
Over time, a word becomes less favourable.
Define weakening/bleaching in semantic change.
A reduction/loss in the force of a meaning of a word.
What is metaphor in the context of semantic change?
Words acquire additional meanings as physical ideas are extended to abstract ideas.
What are euphemisms and dysphemisms?
Creation of more polite/socially acceptable or less polite/less acceptable terms.
What is semantic drift?
The gradual process by which word meanings change over time.
True or False: Idioms can also undergo semantic change.
True.
What is political correctness?
The removal of sexist/racist/ageist words from the lexicon to eliminate marginalization.
When did the term political correctness first appear?
In the USA in the 1970s.
What is the significance of linguistic determinism?
The belief that language shapes thought.
What does the term ‘change from above’ refer to?
Engineered change by people with power and influence.
What is semantic reclamation?
The idea of muted groups taking back language that has been used negatively to represent them.
Provide an example of semantic reclamation.
‘Queer’ is a cited example of language reclamation.
What are the views of Norman Fairclough on language reform?
He argued that it wasn’t enough to deal with words; society must change too.
What is the main concern of Deborah Cameron regarding politically correct language?
She believes it may cause anxiety as it challenges majority power group assumptions.
What is the difference between prescriptivism and descriptivism?
Prescriptivism advocates for rules in language use, while descriptivism observes language as it is used.
Fill in the blank: Political correctness refers to the belief that we should not tolerate language which discriminates on the grounds of _______.
[gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, physical appearance]
