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Different theories that one can use to explain changes in language
Hockett’s Random fluctuation theory
random variations occur in language, caused by it’s speakers unconsciously.
Halliday’s Functional Theory
The semantics of words change according to the need of the language’s speakers at that time. e.g. mouse: rodent to mouse: optical mouse.
Lexical Gap theory
The idea that new words are coined when the speakers are in need of new lexis. e.g. computer
Substratum Theory
Where a substrate (less dominant) language may change aspects of the superstrate (dominant) language.
Goodman’s Informalisation Theory
The idea that language becomes more informal over time.
Romaine’s Internal and External Changes Theory
The idea that internal changes are caused where grammar rules are decided, new words created via morphology, external changes consisting of effects of colonisation, borrowing, gender of nouns e.g. policeman to police officer.
Sociolinguistic/Cultural Transmission Theory
The idea that society and culture affect language.
Fairclough’s Synthetic Personalisation Theory
Suggests that an increase in advertisements means that language is often attempted to be directed/appeal to each member of society as an individual.
Bollinger’s Euphemistic Advertising Theory
The idea that society is increasingly using eupemisms over dysphemisms, especially for taboo subjects.
Zipf’s Law
The idea that the most frequently used words are becoming thise that are the shortest, making it more convenient for speaking.
Chomsky’s Economy Principle
The idea that language is optimised for good communication.
Mackinnon’s Political Correctness Theory
The idea that language is changed to become more correct/pleasant/socially acceptable/morally acceptable/appropriate/useful/politically correct
Justman’s Nazi Euphemisms Theory
The idea that in politics, language is euphemistic in order to hide certain events, e.g. the Nazis used ‘special treatment’ for ‘gas/death’.
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