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Language change theories and concepts - Coggle Diagram
Language change theories and concepts
Descriptivist
Jean Aitchison
- She was a descriptivist who challenged the views of prescriptivists. She categorised these views using 3 metaphors
Damp spoon view:
The idea that language change is lazy. However it undermines the positives of slang which allows for convenience and ease of communication
Crumbling Castle View:
The idea that language should be preserved like a historical monument. Therefore, language change damages its authority
Infectious disease view:
Suggests that we catch non-standard language from others, and that changes in language is like a virus.
Chens S-curve model of language change
This model describes the rate at which a new word or meaning grows in use. How new words or changes spread through a population over time - happens in
3 MAIN STAGES
1:Slow start
: A new word or change is introduced but only a few people use it.
2 :Rapid growth:
People begin to use the change, especially younger speakers or those in social groups where it is popular
3: Leveling Off:
Eventually the change becomes common and accepted and a part of everyday language - most people use it
This S-Curve model shows how
language change isn't instant
- language change takes time and spreads through social use. Also demonstrates how not every word become permanent - only some words reach the final stage.
DAVID CRYSTAL
HIS VIEWS
He believed that language is always changing and that change is necessary and natural.
His key idea is that
technology doesn't ruin language
, it adds to it. - e.g: texting, social media and online slang introduce new words and ways of communicating.
He used the
Tide Metaphor
:
This is used to explain how language evolves -
he said language change is like the tide coming in and out.
Some words and expressions wash in and become popular, others wash out and disappear over time.
But the Shoreline - this is the core of the language - remains, which means the basic structure of English stays the same
This tide metaphor shows that language change isn't dangerous - its gradual, natural and often reversible.
He encourages people to see it as a sign of life NOT DECLINE
Hockett's Random Fluctuation Theory
He believed that l
anguage change happens randomly
, rather than being planned or predictable. His theory suggests that changes in language often come from mistakes, misunderstandings or everyday variations.
He argued
language was like a living system
- used by people everyday and people don't always follow the rules. Due to this, language naturally fluctuates and evolves
Summary:
Language change isn't always logical or planned
, sometimes it's just the result of random human behaviour that spreads through communication
Cultural Transmission theory - Hartl & Clark
Explains how language is passed down through social interaction not just genetics. They argue we learn language by communicating with others - especially through family, school and media.
Highlights how language is part of culture and changes as culture changes.
There are 3 types of transmission:
Vertical:
From parents to children
Horizontal:
Between peers or friends
Oblique:
From older generations or institutions (teachers, media) to younger people
Haliday - Functional theory:
Language changes because its functions change.
As society changes, so does the functions that language must perform
As contexts shift, language adapts accordingly