68 Questions
What is the main focus of Functional Theory according to the text?
The everyday functions of language
How does Functional Theory view the role of language change?
As a tool to carry out changing economic and social functions
What does Halliday's Functional Theory consider as supporting the need for efficiency among users?
Shortening of words and other devices
What does Cultural Transmission Theory focus on?
The passing on of non-biological information through imitation, teaching, and language
Who are mentioned as important contributors to Cultural Transmission Theory in the text?
Bandura (1977); Mackintosh (1983); Hartl and Clark (1997)
What makes up our culture according to the text?
The sum total of society's ideas, customs, social behavior, and non-biological information we use
Which model proposes that languages evolve from one disturbance or change, replicating how ripples move from the centre of a disturbance in water?
Wave Model
Which proto-language is considered the common ancestor for English, German, Dutch, and other Germanic languages?
Proto-Germanic
In what year was Jean Aitchison's book 'Language Change: Progress or Decay?' written?
1981
Which model proposes that changes in language begin in a limited way, speed up as more speakers adopt the change, and then eventually level off?
S-curve Model
What suffix is accepted on words like 'prosper' but not on words like 'calm'?
-ity
Which model is based on the assumption that languages change as they split from a common core?
Tree Model
Which model tracks groups of languages back to a proto-language, their shared ancestor?
Tree Model
What does Cultural Transmission Theory primarily explore?
Language learning through social interaction
In Cultural Transmission Theory, how is language transmitted?
One-way system from pre-existing to emerging generation
What scenario best describes when language change occurs according to Cultural Transmission Theory?
When individuals and groups perceive a benefit in adopting a change
Which theory links language change to the uneven use of spoken language?
Random Fluctuation Theory
What is a key factor highlighted by the Substratum Theory for language change?
Language change is influenced by the spread of language and global interactions
According to the Theory of Lexical Gaps, what is the purpose of new words emerging in a language?
To enrich the stock of words in a language
Why do second-generation language speakers tend to shift pronunciation according to Substratum Theory?
To align with the pronunciation of the dominant community
What type of learning is not covered by Cultural Transmission Theory?
'Trial and Error' learning
What drives language change according to Cultural Transmission Theory?
Complexity within society
According to Guy Deutscher, how does language change occur?
Through a desire for order and regularity combined with an effort to be expressive.
What does Basil Bernstein's theory of restricted code emphasize?
Short and context-bound language understood by immediate groups.
What led to Basil Bernstein developing the theory of restricted and elaborated codes?
The differing performances of economically disadvantaged children in language versus math subjects.
In the context of language proficiency, what do restricted and elaborated codes refer to?
The suitability of language for different situations.
How does Guy Deutscher compare language change to 'mankind's greatest invention'?
He suggests it was never invented but rather naturally evolved.
What distinguishes elaborated code from restricted code according to Basil Bernstein?
Varied grammar structures and lexis.
Why did Basil Bernstein propose the theory of restricted and elaborated codes?
To address the limited performance of some groups in language-based subjects.
"Too many words can devalue what is said" reflects which concept mentioned in the text?
"Excess of words as self-defeating"
"Range of utterances and reasoning" is associated with which type of code outlined by Bernstein?
"Elaborated Code"
"Limited lexis and reasoning" is a characteristic of which concept discussed in the text?
"Restricted Code"
What is the main focus of Functional Theory according to the text?
Recognizes that language is used to function in everyday life and believes that language changes according to the needs of its users.
Who are mentioned as important contributors to Cultural Transmission Theory in the text?
Bandura, Mackintosh, Hartl, Clark
How does Functional Theory view the role of language change?
Functional Theory sees language change as a tool that enables changing economic and social functions in society to be carried out.
What drives language change according to Cultural Transmission Theory?
Imitation, teaching, and language allow information to be passed on from individual to individual.
What makes up our culture according to the text?
Society’s ideas, customs, social behavior, non-biological information like food, education content, and values
What is the purpose of new words emerging in a language according to the Theory of Lexical Gaps?
To fill lexical gaps or express concepts for which no words currently exist.
Explain the difference between the Tree Model and the Wave Model of Language Change.
The Tree Model focuses on languages splitting from a common core like a family tree, while the Wave Model proposes languages evolving from one disturbance like ripples in water.
How does the S-curve Model explain the process of language change?
The S-curve Model suggests that language changes start slowly, gain momentum as more people adopt the change, and eventually level off.
According to Jean Aitchison, what is the main debate in language change: progress or decay?
Jean Aitchison discusses whether language change represents progress by birthing the new or decay by dying of the old.
What is the key feature of the Prescriptive Approach to language change?
The Prescriptive Approach advocates for preserving a 'gold standard' of English.
How does the S-curve Model depict the nature of language change over time?
The S-curve Model shows the gradual beginning of language change, a rapid acceleration as more people adopt it, and a slow-down once the change becomes dominant.
What does Jean Aitchison's book 'Language Change: Progress or Decay?' focus on?
The book discusses the debate surrounding whether language change signifies progress by introducing new forms or decay by losing old forms.
Explain the concept of the 'gold standard' in the context of the Prescriptive Approach.
The 'gold standard' refers to the ideal form of English language that the Prescriptive Approach aims to preserve.
How does the Wave Model differ from the Tree Model in understanding language evolution?
The Wave Model views language evolution as originating from one disturbance, while the Tree Model tracks language changes through splits like a family tree.
What is the central question in the debate of language change according to Jean Aitchison?
The central question revolves around whether language change represents progress through innovation or decay by losing traditional forms.
Describe the main focus of Jean Aitchison's book 'Language Change: Progress or Decay?'
The book primarily explores the contrasting views on language change as either progress through the introduction of new forms or decay through the loss of traditional forms.
What is the main idea behind Substratum Theory in relation to language change?
Language change is related to the spread of language and global influences, leading to changes in the English language.
How does Cultural Transmission Theory explain the process of learning new information, specifically language?
Through engagement and socialization with others in society.
According to Random Fluctuation Theory, how do languages change?
Languages change as a result of the uneven use of spoken language by its users.
What is the purpose of the Theory of Lexical Gaps in language evolution?
To address the need for new words to emerge and expand the stock of words in a language.
How does Cultural Transmission Theory view the transmission of language?
As a one-way system from the pre-existing generation to the emerging generation.
What role does socialization play in language change according to Cultural Transmission Theory?
Socialization with others in society influences the acquisition and use of language.
How does the Theory of Lexical Gaps propose new words to be created?
Through combining existing letters and sound combinations to form new words.
What drives language change according to Cultural Transmission Theory?
The need for language variety to adapt to the complexity of society.
According to Random Fluctuation Theory, what influences the changes in languages?
The uneven use of spoken language by its users.
How does Substratum Theory explain the global influence on language change?
It attributes language change to the spread of one language variety impacting another through contact.
According to Guy Deutscher, what are the two main factors contributing to language change?
Predictable patterns and shortcuts, combined with efforts to be expressive and original.
What are the distinguishing features of Elaborated Code according to Basil Bernstein?
Accurate and varied grammatical order, complex sentences, unusual lexis, and a range of reasoning.
Explain the difference between Restricted Code and Elaborated Code in terms of language use.
Restricted Code is brief, context-bound, and understood by a limited group, while Elaborated Code is detailed, universally understandable, and explains concepts fully.
Why did Basil Bernstein develop the theory of restricted and elaborated codes?
To explain the performance gap in language-based subjects among economically disadvantaged children.
What is the critical link highlighted between language proficiency and academic achievement in primary school entrants?
The concern that poor language proficiency may lead to low academic achievement.
What did Guy Deutscher clepe as 'the evolution of mankind’s greatest invention'?
Language.
How does Basil Bernstein differentiate between Restricted Code and Elaborated Code in terms of lexis and reasoning?
Restricted Code has limited lexis and reasoning, while Elaborated Code includes varied lexis and reasoning.
What is the main goal of Elaborated Code according to Basil Bernstein?
To make information comprehensible to everyone.
What is the primary concern raised in New Zealand studies regarding primary school entrants?
The literacy and numeracy skills of new entrants, particularly in oral language.
How does Basil Bernstein explain the lesser performance in language-based subjects by some groups of economically disadvantaged children?
Through the theory of restricted and elaborated codes, suggesting that language complexity affects educational achievement.
Test your knowledge on different theories of language change, their proponents, and beliefs regarding the evolution of language over time. Identify key concepts and understand how each theory impacts language development.
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