Functional Theory of Language Change Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

According to functional theory, why does language change?

To simplify communication
To adapt to the needs of its users (correct)
To resist social and economic changes
To adhere to traditional usage

What does functional theory propose about the evolution of lexis?

It evolves randomly without any specific purpose
It evolves until it is of no further use and is then replaced by new words needed for new technological developments (correct)
It remains static and unchanging over time
It evolves based on the preferences of linguistic scholars

What is the primary focus of functional theory in relation to language change?

The role of language in everyday life and its functional use (correct)
The preservation of archaic language forms
The standardization of language usage
The promotion of regional dialects

According to functional theory, what brings about the invention and/or adaptation of new relevant words (lexis)?

Social and economic changes (B)

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How does functional theory explain the movement of words in and out of a language?

As a response to changing economic and social functions in society (A)

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According to functional theory, why does language change?

To enable changing economic and social functions in society to be carried out (A)

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What is the primary focus of functional theory in relation to language change?

The adaptation of language to technological advancements (A)

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How does functional theory explain the movement of words in and out of a language?

Words are replaced when new technological developments require new vocabulary (B)

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What does functional theory propose about the evolution of lexis?

Lexis evolves until it is of no further use and is then replaced by new words needed for new technological developments (D)

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According to functional theory, what brings about the invention and/or adaptation of new relevant words (lexis)?

Changing economic and social functions in society (D)

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Flashcards

Why does language change?

Language changes to meet the needs of its speakers.

Lexical evolution

Lexis evolves until obsolete, then new words arise for new tech.

Functional theory focus

Language's role in daily life and its practical usage.

New lexis origin

Social and economic changes drive the creation of new lexis.

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Lexical movement

Words enter or leave a language due to shifting societal needs.

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Language Change Purpose

Enable changing economic and social functions in society to be carried out.

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Study Notes

Functional Theory of Language Change

Language change occurs because of the communicative needs of speakers, according to functional theory.
Functional theory proposes that lexis (words and vocabulary) evolves to adapt to changing social and cultural contexts.
The primary focus of functional theory is on how language adapts to the needs of its users, particularly in relation to language change.
The invention and/or adaptation of new words (lexis) is brought about by the need to express new concepts, objects, and ideas in a changing environment.
Functional theory explains the movement of words in and out of a language as a result of changing social and cultural contexts, where words are adopted or discarded based on their relevance and usefulness to speakers.