Terminology Flashcards
diachronic variation
variation through time
synchronic variation
variation across society at a single point in time
external factor
a factor to do with external forces; i.e. french terms in english after 1066
internal factor
a factor to do with the internal structure of the language system
blending
using parts of an existing word to form a new word
infix
a particle added to the middle of a word
prefix
a particle added to the beginning of a word
suffix
a particle added to the end of a word
amelioration
a process whereby a word/phrase develops more positive connotations
pejoration
a process whereby a word/phrase develops more negative connotations
what is the sapir-whorf hypothesis?
the idea that our language constructs our view of the world and that it is difficult to think beyond it
linguistic relativity
the idea that language shapes our thinking, but does not completely control it
semantic reclamation
taking language that has had negative connotations and trying to overturn them by using it in a new way
broadening
a process by which words acquire a broader reference
hegemonic
cultural dominant