variation over time key theorists

Jean Aitchison

PIDC model

potential: there is a gap or a need for change in the language

implementation: change occurs, usually through usage

diffusion: the spread of changes through different social groups and contexts

codification: the process by which changes become the accepted norm e.g. the inclusion of new words in dictionaries

suzanne Romaine

internal and external influences

internal influences: Changes originating from within the language system

• an ongoing process under the influences of changing social concepts and the development of technology, such as the printing press (1476), the dictionary (1604, 1755) and new word formation

external influences: Factors that change language due to shifting social contexts, technologies, ideologies, and cultural shifts.

• social contexts such as social or cultural group, class and gener

charles Hockett

language change stems from random errors within the language system as a response to the changing context of language use (external changes)

michael Halliday

functional theory- language changes to meet changing needs

david crystal

“language is like a tide”

constantly changing

things are being added and taken away etc

jean aitchisons metaphors

language is a crumbling castle

language is an infectious disease

language is like a damp spoon

fairclough and goodman

informalisation- language is becoming increasingly informal in all areas of society

fairclough

synthetic personalisation and CDA

Fairclough’s CDA argues that language:

• both reflects and shapes society

• is linked to power structures

• carries ideologies

• can reinforce or challenge dominant social values

In language change questions, this helps you analyse:

• changing attitudes

• institutional influence

• social hierarchy

• representation of groups

• political correctness

• technological influence

• gender discourse

• class and prestige

Democratization of discourse

A Fairclough idea meaning:

language becomes less formal and hierarchical over time.

lane greene

• declinist/ declinism- view that language is being in a constant decline