Semantic change

Definition

Semantic change refers to the evolution of word meanings over time, which can involve shifts in definitions, connotations, or associations. This process is influenced by factors such as cultural shifts, technological advancements, and social interactions, leading to words acquiring new meanings or losing old ones. Understanding semantic change is crucial for grasping how language varies and evolves within different contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semantic change can occur in several ways, including broadening (where a word's meaning becomes more general), narrowing (where it becomes more specific), amelioration (a positive shift in meaning), and pejoration (a negative shift in meaning).
2. The context of language use greatly influences semantic change, as words may take on new meanings based on social and cultural changes within a community.
3. Historical events often trigger semantic change, as new concepts or technologies emerge that require language adaptation.
4. Semantic change contributes to language variation, as different communities may adopt unique meanings for the same word based on their experiences and cultural contexts.
5. Understanding semantic change helps linguists track the evolution of language and provides insight into cultural shifts over time.

Review Questions

• How does semantic change illustrate the dynamic nature of language?
  • Semantic change demonstrates that language is not static; it evolves as society and culture evolve. Words can acquire new meanings or lose existing ones based on various factors like technological advancements or cultural shifts. This dynamic nature highlights how speakers adapt language to express new ideas or feelings, showcasing the relationship between language and the human experience.
• What are some common types of semantic change, and how do they affect the understanding of words?
  • Common types of semantic change include broadening, where a word's meaning expands to include more concepts; narrowing, where it becomes limited to a more specific meaning; amelioration, which gives a positive connotation to a previously neutral or negative word; and pejoration, where a word takes on a negative connotation. These changes affect understanding by altering how words are perceived in various contexts, influencing communication and interpretation.
• Evaluate the role of social factors in driving semantic change and its implications for language variation across cultures.
  • Social factors play a significant role in driving semantic change as they reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a community. Changes in societal norms or technological advancements can lead to new meanings for existing words or the creation of entirely new terms. This process of adaptation results in language variation across cultures, as different groups may interpret and use words uniquely based on their context. Such variations can enrich the language but may also lead to misunderstandings if the evolving meanings are not recognized across different communities.

Related terms

lexicalization: The process by which a new word or phrase is created and adopted into a language, often reflecting changes in culture or technology.

polysemy:

The phenomenon where a single word has multiple related meanings, which can evolve over time due to semantic change.

connotation: The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning, which can shift through semantic change.