Week 2

Question 1

Why do languages change

Answer 1

1. incrementation through transmission
2. phonetic processes
3. analogy
4. changes in the lexicon
5. language external pressures

Question 2

incrementation through transmission

Answer 2

never pronounce words the exact same way
adult language differs because of physical and processing constraints
child language differs because they have to deduce the rules themselves

Question 3

analogy

Answer 3

economising brain processes by setting predictable rules
words and inflections are created on the basis of regularities

Question 4

semantic changes

Answer 4

1. shift in meaning
2. broadening and narrowing of a term
3. taboos
4. pejoration (term was once respectful, not anymore
5. amelioration (opposite pejoration)

Question 5

language external pressures

Answer 5

contact, social prestige, acommodation

Question 6

Sound changes

Answer 6

1. assimilation (changing sound under the influence of neighbouring sounds)
2. dissimilation - epenthesis
   3.metathesis
   haplology (deletion of syllable)
3. deletion of letters