Exploring Language Change Over Time

Introduction

Language change is an inevitable and fascinating process, reflecting shifts in culture, technology, and society. At A-Level English Language, analysing historical and contemporary changes provides insights into how English evolves to meet the needs of its speakers.

This article will explore:

1. Historical milestones in language change.
2. Theories and frameworks for analysing language evolution.
3. Practical strategies for exam success.

1. Historical Milestones in Language Change

1.1 Old English (450–1150)

• Influenced by Germanic tribes, Old Norse, and Latin.
• Highly inflected language with complex grammar.
  Example: Words like “knight” and “house” originate from Old English.

1.2 Middle English (1150–1500)

• Norman Conquest introduced French vocabulary, especially in law, government, and art.
  Example: “Justice” and “royalty” reflect French influence.

1.3 Early Modern English (1500–1700)

• Standardisation began with the printing press (William Caxton, 1476).
• Shakespeare contributed to the expansion of vocabulary.

Example: Words like “bedroom” and “assassination” were popularised by Shakespeare.

1.4 Modern English (1700–Present)

• Industrial Revolution and globalisation introduced technical and international terms.
  Example: “Telephone” and “robot” reflect technological innovation.

2. Theories and Frameworks for Analysing Language Change

2.1 Jean Aitchison’s Theories

• Damp Spoon Syndrome: Blames laziness for perceived language degradation.
• Crumbling Castle: Views language as something once perfect but now decaying.
• Infectious Disease: Suggests language change spreads like a contagion.

2.2 Functional Theory

• Language evolves to meet the changing needs of its users.
  Example: The rise of internet slang like “LOL” and “hashtag.”

2.3 Substratum Theory

• Influence of non-native speakers or languages leads to changes.
  Example: American English influenced by immigrant languages.

2.4 Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism

• Prescriptivists advocate for preserving traditional language rules.
• Descriptivists accept and analyse language change as natural.

3. Practical Strategies for Exam Success

Use Historical Context

• Relate changes to specific events like invasions, migrations, or technological advances.

Analyse Real Examples

Example: The word “Google” transitioned from a proper noun to a verb (“to Google something”), reflecting modern linguistic flexibility.

Apply Theories to Data

• Link language data to frameworks like Aitchison’s theories or functional theory.

Tips for Success

1. Combine Examples and Theory: Support theoretical analysis with historical evidence.
2. Critically Evaluate: Highlight both positive and negative impacts of language change.
3. Stay Relevant: Focus on examples aligned with the exam question.

Conclusion

Language change is a dynamic and inevitable process influenced by history, technology, and culture. By understanding key milestones and applying linguistic theories, A-Level English Language students can craft insightful and engaging analyses.