Theory

Question 1

Romaine

Answer 1

This researcher said that 17th century texts often use lengthy sentences and Latinate terms to show pretsige and help target an educated demographic.

Question 2

Giles

Answer 2

Accommodation theory: As writers/readers of the 17th century are likely those who were wealthy and could afford an education due to it being before thr 1870 Education Act, the writers often used an ‘elevated discourse,’ where they’d expect the reader to have a like social status.

Question 3

Labov

Answer 3

Changes from above: Changes made by a socially dominant group, e.g. grammarians in the 18th century. Changes from below: Changes made below the level of consciousness. Thus, people will be aware of changes from above, but changes from below are subtle.

Question 4

Schulz

Answer 4

Female related terms often undergo semantic derogation/pejoration.

Question 5

Grice

Answer 5

The Cooperative Principle: We aim to be cooperative in discourse by following four maxims. Quantity, Quality, Relevance, Manner.

Question 6

Fairclough

Answer 6

Informalisation: We are living in times of increased informalisation with greater personal language.