19 Questions
What is the term used to describe the inevitable change in the meanings of words over time?
Semantic shift
Which concept in semantics is concerned with relationships between linguistic elements themselves?
Sense
What does the term 'diachronic' refer to in the study of words?
The history and development of meaning of a word over a period of time
What is described by the term 'reference' in semantics?
Explaining language using non-linguistic elements
What did the term 'nice' mean in pre-century according to the text?
Silly, ignorant
What is the primary focus of etymology?
Tracing the origin and meaning of words
What does sound change refer to?
The replacement of one speech sound by another
What does the study of sound laws describe?
Regular changes in the phonology of a language
How did variations in language lead to the birth of new languages?
As a result of no contact among certain communities
Why do specific languages contain words from other languages?
As a consequence of population expansion and contact
What is the primary purpose of language according to Palmer?
To maintain social relationships
How do speech acts influence the behavior of others?
By showing an action and influencing the behavior of the next person
What does the grammatical structure of a sentence help us identify?
The type of sentence (question, exclamation, or order)
In what way does saying 'Hi' or 'Hello' on the phone serve a purpose according to the text?
It is a form of social etiquette to maintain relationships
What do questions and orders have in common according to the text?
They both depend on the grammatical structure of a sentence
What is the primary function of certain words like 'fascist' and 'liberal' in language?
To express approval or disapproval
In what way do certain words like 'hide' and 'conceal' influence language?
By indicating positive and negative feelings
What is the primary influence of social relations on language use?
To shape the choice of polite or rude language
How does language play a role in influencing behavior according to the text?
By conveying evaluative statements
Study Notes
Semantic Change
- The term used to describe the inevitable change in the meanings of words over time is semantic change.
- The term 'diachronic' refers to the study of words over time, examining how their meanings change.
Semantics
- The concept concerned with relationships between linguistic elements themselves is semantics.
- Reference in semantics describes the relationship between words and the objects, concepts, or ideas they represent.
Etymology
- The primary focus of etymology is the study of the origin and history of words.
Language Change
- Sound change refers to the modification of words' pronunciation over time.
- The study of sound laws describes the patterns and rules of sound change in language.
- Variations in language led to the birth of new languages through geographic isolation, cultural differences, and other factors.
Language Contact
- Specific languages contain words from other languages due to language contact, which occurs through cultural exchange, trade, and migration.
Language Purpose
- According to Palmer, the primary purpose of language is to influence the behavior of others.
Speech Acts
- Speech acts, such as saying 'Hi' or 'Hello' on the phone, serve a purpose by establishing a social relationship and setting the tone for the conversation.
- Speech acts influence the behavior of others by conveying intentions, attitudes, and expectations.
Grammar and Meaning
- The grammatical structure of a sentence helps us identify the relationships between words and their meanings.
Language Function
- Questions and orders both function as a means of influencing the behavior of others.
Word Meaning
- Words like 'fascist' and 'liberal' have a primary function of conveying attitudes, values, and beliefs in language.
- Words like 'hide' and 'conceal' influence language by providing nuanced shades of meaning and connotation.
Social Relations
- Social relations have a primary influence on language use, shaping the words, meanings, and communication styles we use.
- Language plays a role in influencing behavior by conveying social norms, values, and expectations.
Test your knowledge of etymology and the historical study of language origins and changes. Explore the fascinating evolution of words and their meanings over time.
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