Language Change - Key Terms

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Acronym
When initial letters of a phrase make a new word
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Blending
When two words are combined to form a new word. E.g. 'Brexit' being a blend of Britain and exit
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Assimilation
When sounds next to one another in a sentence or word are pronounced differently to make speech easier
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Clipping
When the shortened version of a word becomes a word in it's own right. E.g. 'slang'
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Amelioration
When the meaning of a word softens over time
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Pejoration
When the meaning of a word becomes negative over time
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Broadening
When the meaning of a word get broader/less specific
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Narrowing
When the meaning of a word becomes more specific
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Archaisms
Words or expressions once in common usage which are still used, but considered 'old fashioned'
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Obsolete
A word no longer in use
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Coinage
When a new word is made up. Shakespeare did this a lot
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Standardisation
The process by which a language develops rules and structures
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Prescriptivism
The attitude that there is a 'right way' to use language
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Descriptivism
An attitude of relaxation towards Standard English rules
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Political Correctness
Seeks to change or ban language associated with discrimination
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Sociolect
A language created by a specific social group
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Elision
When sounds are left out to make pronunciation more efficient
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Eggcorn
A misheard idiom that falls into common usage. E.g. 'curb you appetite' becomes 'curve you appetite'
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Neologism
A new word
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Loan words
A word taken from another language
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

When two words are combined to form a new word. E.g. 'Brexit' being a blend of Britain and exit

Back

Blending

Card 3

Front

When sounds next to one another in a sentence or word are pronounced differently to make speech easier

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

When the shortened version of a word becomes a word in it's own right. E.g. 'slang'

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

When the meaning of a word softens over time

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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