Semantic Change Flashcards
Semantic change + example
When meanings of words shift over time
E.g. awful originally meant ‘inspiring wonder
Neosemy
New meanings develops for word
Processes of semantic change (6)
Narrowing
Weakening
Amelioration
Perforation
Functional shift
Broadening.
Narrowing + e.g.
Meaning of word narrows
‘Meat used to mean food in general
Weakening + e.g.
Word loses its impact/power
E.g. terrible used to mean causing terror
Amelioration
Meaning becomes more positive
E.g. Nice used to mean foolish
Perjoration + e.g.
Meaning becomes more negative
‘Notorious used to mean well known’
Functional shift
Word class changes
E.g. Text
Broadening
Meaning of word broadens
E.g. 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 our world view
Criticism of linguistic determinism
- No way of proving whether language determines thought, vice versa.
- Those without language wouldn’t think - how do babies learn?
- What about autistic people who may not have language but good thought
