Change Through Time Key Terms

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  • Created by: SW
  • Created on: 29-05-13 17:50
Conversion
When a word changes it's word class without adding a suffix. e/g Text (noun and verb)
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Suffix
The addition of a bound morpheme to the end of a root word. e/g (radical)ising
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Narrowing
When a words meaning becomes more specific. e/g 'wife' used to mean any woman.
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Weakening
When a word loses the strength of its original meaning. e/g 'soon' used to mean 'immediately'
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Political Correctness
Words or phrases used to replace those that are deemed offensive.
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Lexicon
The vocabulary of a language.
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Pejoration
A word takes on a more negative meaning. e/g 'idiot' used to mean 'a private citizen'
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Amelioration
A word that takes on a different, more positive meaning. e/g 'pretty' used to mean 'sly' or 'cunning'
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Blend
Two words fusing together to make a new one. e/g smog (smoke + fog)
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Broadening
When a word keeps its original meaning but acquires new ones.
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Affixation
The addition of bound morphemes to an existing word.
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Initialism
A word made from initial letters, each being pronounced. e/g 'CD'
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Compound
The combining of two separate words to create a new one, sometimes using a hyphen. e/g size zero, man flu
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Covert Prestige
The status of speakers who chose not to adopt a standard dialect.
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Overt Prestige
The status that speakers get from using the most official and standard form of a language. e/g standard English and 'RP' accents.
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A Dummy Auxiliary
The verb 'do' which is used to form questions and negations or to add emphasis.
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Archaism
An old word or phrase no longer in written or spoken use but is probably still understood by some e/g 'twas'
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Prefixes
The addition of a bound morpheme to the beginning of a rood word. e/g mega- , uber-
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Omission
The leaving out of a phoneme or group of phonemes. e/g 'hanging' 'hanin'
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Descriptivism
An attitude to a language that seeks to describe it without making judgements.
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Fascicle
One of the divisions of a book published in parts.
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Synchronic Change
An approach that studies language at a theoretical point in time without considering the historical context. (As it happens)
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Prescriptivism
An attitude to language use that makes judgements and believes there are right and wrong ways to use langauge.
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Instrumental Power
Power used to maintain and enforce authority (real power)
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Drift
A process of linguistic change over a period of time.
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Back Formation
The removal of an imagined affix from an existing word. e/g editor became edit.
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Eye Dialect
A way of spelling words that suggests a regional or social way of talking.
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Divergance
A persons speech pattern becomes more individualised and less like those of the other person in the conversation.
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Assimilation
Influence by one sound upon the articulation of another so the sounds become more alike. e/g 'donchu' don't you'
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Clipping
A new word created by shortening another existing one. e/g edit from editor.
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Acronym
A lexicalised word made up from the initial letters of a phrase (sounded as a word.) e/g RADAR
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Standardisation
Making all forms/variations of language conform to the standard language.
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Influential Power
Power used to influence or persuade others.
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Diachronic Change
The study of historical language change occurring over a span of time.
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Mixed-Mode
Features of printed text combined with features expected in a conversation.
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Obsolete
No longer having any use.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The addition of a bound morpheme to the end of a root word. e/g (radical)ising

Back

Suffix

Card 3

Front

When a words meaning becomes more specific. e/g 'wife' used to mean any woman.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

When a word loses the strength of its original meaning. e/g 'soon' used to mean 'immediately'

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Words or phrases used to replace those that are deemed offensive.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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