Recent Lessons

Show all results for ""

Feature Overview

Ace your exams with our all-in-one platform for creating and sharing quizzes and tests.

Quizzes

Create quizzes and tests automatically from your content using AI.

Flashcards

Automatically turn your notes into digital flashcards.

Share, Export & Embed

Share with classmates or export to Excel and your learning management system.

Stats & Reporting

Auto-grading quizzes and tests with detailed stats and reports.

Mobile Apps

The smarter way to study – wherever you are.

Pricing

Search...

10 Questions

4 Views

Language Change Theories Quiz

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

According to functional theory, why does language change?

To enable changing economic and social functions in society to be carried out Signup and view all the answers

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

The adaptation of language to technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

Changing economic and social functions in society Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of key language change theories such as functional theory by Michael Halliday with this engaging quiz. Explore how language functions in everyday life and understand the significance of these theories in the evolution of the English language.