Theories of Language Change

Question 1

Who came up with the Cultural Transmission Theory?

Answer 1

Charles F. Hockett

Question 2

What is the main idea of the Cultural Transmission Theory?

Answer 2

Language is passed down from one generation to the next through social interactions and learning; there is also the idea that language is the primary means of sharing culture

Question 3

What are the ways that language is thought to be transmitted in the Cultural Transmission Theory?

Answer 3

Socialisation: The lifelong process where individuals learn and internalize cultural norms and values.
Imitation: Learning by observing and mimicking others’ behaviors and practices
Horizontal Transmission: Peer to peer
Vertical Transmission: Parent to child
Oblique Transmission: Older generation to younger, outside the family

Question 4

Who came up with the Functional Theory?

Answer 4

Michael Halliday

Question 5

What is the main idea of the Functional Theory?

Answer 5

Language is developed in order to fulfill the purposes and functions society needs from it: social & economic changes, developing sense of identity, need for efficiency & speed.

Question 6

What are the 7 functions of language proposed in the Functional Theory?

Answer 6

Instrumental
Regulatory
Interactive
Personal
Heuristic
Representational
Imaginative