Processes

• What is the process of conversion in language change?

  Words change function over time
• What is a common example of conversion?

  Email changing to emailing
• What is affixation/derivation?

  Adding prefixes or suffixes to create new words
• What is an example of affixation?

  Run to runner
• What is backformation?

  Creating a new word by removing part of a word
• What is an example of backformation?

  Babysitter to babysit
• What is compounding in language change?

  Making a new word by joining two words
• What is an example of a noun-noun compound?

  Notebook
• What is an example of an adjective-verb compound?

  Highlight
• What is clipping in language change?


  Reducing a word without changing its meaning
• How may an apostrophe be used in clipping?

  To indicate missing letters
• What is an example of clipping?

  Laboratory to lab
• What is abbreviation in language change?

  Formed by initial letters of a word or phrase
• How does abbreviation typically function?

  It is largely a convention of written language
• What is an example of abbreviation?

  Apr. for April
• What is an acronym?

  Words formed from initial letters pronounced as a word
• What is an example of an acronym?

  Nasa
• What is the difference between an abbreviation and an acronym?

  An abbreviation uses initial letters, acronym is pronounced
• What are the main processes of language change?

  • Conversion
  • Affixation/Derivation
  • Backformation
  • Compounding
  • Clipping
  • Abbreviation
  • Acronym
• What is the term for a new word created from an existing word?

  Eponym
• What does the term "semantic change" refer to?

  Changes in meanings of words over time
• What is "pejoration" in linguistics?

  When a word takes on negative meanings
• How is "amelioration" different from "pejoration"?

  Amelioration gives positive connotations
• What does "narrowing" refer to in semantics?

  A word's meaning becomes more specific
• What does "broadening" mean in the context of language?

  A word's meaning becomes more general
• What are the processes of standardization in language?

  • Spelling
  • Punctuation
  • Grammar
• What is the role of education in language standardization?


  It promotes uniformity in language use
• What is a prescriptivist attitude towards language?

  Belief in strict rules for language use
• How do grammar books contribute to language standardization?

  They provide guidelines for correct usage
• What is the significance of dictionaries in language?

  They document and define words
• What is the impact of travel on language?

  It facilitates social mobility and language exchange
• How do social factors influence language change?

  They drive shifts in usage and meaning