1.2 Variation Over Time

    Cards (32)

    • Language variation over time refers to the gradual changes that occur in a language across different historical periods
    • In Old English, "þū" was used as a singular familiar pronoun
    • What languages did English borrow words from during the Middle English period?
      Latin and French
    • The key historical periods in language development include Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, and Modern English
    • What characterizes Early Modern English?
      Standardization of spelling
    • Isolated communities are more likely to retain older forms of language.
      True
    • Place the key historical periods in chronological order:
      1️⃣ Old English
      2️⃣ Middle English
      3️⃣ Early Modern English
      4️⃣ Modern English
    • Old English vocabulary was primarily based on Germanic origins.

      True
    • Arrange the historical periods of English in chronological order:
      1️⃣ Old English
      2️⃣ Middle English
      3️⃣ Early Modern English
      4️⃣ Modern English
    • Geographical location can lead to regional variations in vocabulary
    • What grammatical change occurred in Middle English with the replacement of Old English inflections?
      Use of function words
    • What is the term for language variation over time?
      Diachronic variation
    • Diachronic variation involves alterations in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and semantics
    • When did the Old English period begin?
      450
    • Modern English is characterized by further simplification of grammar
    • Immigration introduces new languages and phrases, enriching a community's vocabulary
    • What Old English pronoun meant "you" in the plural or formal sense?
      ġē
    • What are the key historical periods in English language development?
      Old, Middle, Early Modern, Modern
    • Match the historical period with its key feature:
      Old English ↔️ Fully inflectional grammar
      Middle English ↔️ French borrowing
      Early Modern English ↔️ Standardization of spelling
      Modern English ↔️ Global vocabulary
    • Social and cultural factors can influence a language's grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and semantics.
      True
    • Modern English grammar is characterized by simplified structures and fixed word order
    • Language variation over time only affects vocabulary and grammar.
      False
    • Old English had fewer inflectional endings than Modern English.
      False
    • The pronoun "you" in Modern English replaced both "þū" and "ġē" from Old English.

      True
    • Extensive borrowing from French occurred during the Middle English period.

      True
    • What social and cultural factors influence language variation over time?
      Social class, geography, immigration
    • Coastal cities often have more diverse lexicons due to trade interactions.

      True
    • Old English used the pronoun "þū" for singular and familiar use, while "ġē" was used for plural or formal situations
    • The Old English period, from 450 to 1100, was characterized by fully inflectional grammar
    • What are some social and cultural factors that influence language variation?
      Social class, location, immigration
    • Match the historical period with its characteristic change in grammar or vocabulary:
      Old English ↔️ Highly inflectional grammar
      Middle English ↔️ Reduction in inflectional endings
      Early Modern English ↔️ Standardization of spelling
      Modern English ↔️ Simplified grammar
    • Modern English vocabulary includes loanwords from various languages.

      True
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