Language Change Theories

Labov - Changes from above and below

• Changes from above = Changes from above arise consciously within socially dominant groups and are motivated by prestige or prescriptive rules. For example - When schools tell you not to use double negatives e.g. I don’t know nothing for formal scenarios such as job/UCAS interviews.

• Changes from below = Changes from below develop subconsciously within speech communities and changes through social networks. Slang words such as peng, bruv form and people just start using them.

Sociolinguistic impact: Labov’s model explains how language changes social dynamics and identity within communities.

Romaine - Prestige In Early Modern Texts

• Complex vocabulary ans