Variation Over Time theories

S Curve (Chen and Bailey)

A model showing that new forms of speech gradually increase before rapidly taking off, then flattening out as they become dominant.

Tipping Point

The moment when the rate of increase of a new form of language accelerates rapidly.

Substratum Theory

Theory that different forms of language come into contact with English through mechanisms like invasion and borrowing.

Hypercorrection

The use of non-standard language forms due to the mistaken over-application of language rules.

Wave Theory (Chen and Wang)

Language change spreads in concentric waves from an epicenter, reaching further populations over time.

Lexical Gap Theory

A theory explaining why certain combinations of sounds do not exist in a language, indicating systemic or lexical gaps.

Determinism

A concept suggesting that language influences thought and perceptions, but does not fully control them.

Reflectionism

The idea that language is shaped by thought and reflects our mental processes.

Halliday's Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)

A model that views language as 'meaning potential' and emphasizes its functional changes based on societal needs.

Hockett’s Random Fluctuation Theory

Theory proposing that language change is unpredictable and often results from cultural diffusion and accidental innovations.

David Crystal’s Tide Metaphor

Metaphor suggesting that language is constantly changing like a tide, bringing in new words and removing others.

Aitchison’s PID(C) Model

A model describing the stages of language change: Potential, Implementation, Diffusion, Codification.