Standard and Non Standard Process of Change. Flashcards
Outline the functional theory.
The theory suggest that language always changes and adapts to the needs of its users. Changes in technology and industry often fuel the need for new words. Word fall out of usage, such as ‘vinyl’ for records and are replaced by initialisms such as M.P.3 Colloquialisms and slang also manifests changes; creating new words or new usages and then discarding them as they strive for social identity and/or personal/group expression.
Outline Charles Hockett (1958): Random fluctuation and cultural transmission.
Puts significance on random errors and events having an influence on language change and therefore suggesting that language change occurs due to the unstable nature of language itself. The theory puts forward the notion that changes occur within the language do so to reflect the constant changing context of the language itself and its users.
Outline the substratum theory.
Focuses on the influences of different language forms that can come into contact with English and this is mainly through the languages of non-native speakers or regional dialects.
Also the idea that immigration has this effect on English, with non-native speakers bringing words from their native tongue into their adopted one, this can also be reversed as conquerors have brought new words into language, specifically with English, the Norman invasion of 1066 brought French into Middle English etc.
Outline hyper-correction.
A phonological change within language, through the adoption of an incorrect emphasis or pattern of pronunciation due to the speaker believing they are using the ‘high-prestige’ form of the word.
Outline the reflectionism and determinism theory.
The Sapir-Whorf theory. Reflectionism in language is based on the theory that a person’s language reflects their way of thinking, so someone who uses derogatory slurs such as ‘Paki’, could be said to be using language that reflects their prejudice towards immigrants. Conversely, Determinism is based on the idea that if people can be persuaded not to use such terms, but ones that are seen as more acceptable, this can determine a new way of thinking, and this forms the basis on which political correctness is formed.Words seen as slurs are exchanged for words with more positive connotations and are therefore perceived as being less offensive in their usage, and to those ethnic minorities they are being used to represent.
Outline the S curve model.
S-curve is the model based on the idea that language change can occur at a slow pace creating the initial curve of the ‘S’ and then increases speed as it becomes more common and accepted in the language. This can then slow down again once it has fully integrated in the language and is widely used. This model is based on Chen (1968/1972)who asserted that a language change would be picked up a certain rate by users before spreading into wider language usage, then slowing, this change can be measured on a chart and will produce a curve resembling the letter ‘S’.
Outline the wave model.
Bailey (1973)suggested a model thatgeographical distance can have an effect on language change. Just as someone close to the epicentre of an earthquake will feel the tremors, a person or group close to the epicentre of a language change will pick it up, whereas a person or group further away from the centre of the change is less likely to adopt it.For instance, a word adapted or adopted by multicultural youths in London is unlikely to affect white middle class speakers in Edinburgh, as they are removed from the epicentre both culturally and socially.
