Language Change Concepts

What was published in 1755?

Samuel Johnson’s ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ as an attempt to standardise spelling and definitions.

What is determinism?

The idea that language determines the way we think and behave.

What is Linguistic Determinism/Saphir-Whorf Hypothesis?

Language constructs our world view and controls our perception of reality.

What is reflectionism?

Is the opposite of these concepts, suggesting that language is a reflection of the society that produces it. E.g it is more widely acceptable to use slang nowadays, suggesting a shift towards more accepting and liberal attitudes towards casual communication.

What is linguistic relativity?

The idea that language shapes our thinking but does not completely control it

What is the functional theory?

The idea that language changes because society does

What is Semantic Reclamation?

Is the process by which a community reclaims a word or phrase that has historically been used in a negative, pejorative, or offensive way, and gives it a new, more positive or empowering meaning. This is often associated with marginalized groups who seek to challenge the stigma attached to such terms and assert their identity.

What was completed in 1928?

The Oxford Dictionary which documented the language history

What was introduced in 1476?

The printing press by William Caxton which enabled the expansion of English vocabulary, the regularisation of inflection and syntax and a widening gap between the spoken and the written words.

What works were produced from 1564 till 1616?

William Shakespeares literary works which greatly enriched english lexicon

What was published in 1611?

King James’ Bible which became a cornerstone of early modern english prose.

What was George Puttenham’s concerns during the 16th century?

He had concerns over the excessive borrowing of Latin and French to the English Language.

What is random fluctuation theory?

The idea that language change is not a logical and ordered process

What is standardisation?

The process by which a form of language is developed and used as a common code.