Theories Of Language Change

Question 1

Functional Theory

Answer 1

• Michael Halliday
• Language changes according to the needs of its users.
• explains archaisms

Question 2

Cultural transmission theory

Answer 2

• Created by various theorists
• language change takes place when individuals and groups perceive a benefit i the change (such as changing an accent for status)

Question 3

Random fluctuations theory

Answer 3

• Charles Hockett
• language develops and changes as a reflection of the uneaven use of spoken language.

Question 4

Substratum Theory

Answer 4

• composite of various ideas
• language change is linked to the spread of language, and with english specifically - the globalisation of the language.
• how slang spreads through TV

Question 5

Theory of lexical gaps

Answer 5

• Offshoot of Hallidays functional theory
• when there is a gap in a language the speakers need to fill it

Question 6

Hallidays functions of language

Answer 6

• Instrumental (fulfil needs)
• Regulatory (influence behaviour of others)
• Interactional (develop social relationships)
• Personal (opinions and feelings)
• Representational (relay or request information)
• Heuristic (language used to learn)
• Imaginative (language used to explore the imagination)

Question 7

Jean Aitchison

Answer 7

Progress or decay. Prescriptivist or descripticism