How Languages Change Over Time
Languages change for variety reasons. There are many ways languages have changed by: language learning, language contact, social differentiation, and natural process in usage. Language is always changing across the world or social group. Language learning is passed from one generation to the next generation. Individuals makes grammar or words based communication from members of the family. Language contact brings one language into contact with another different language. Some individuals will become bilingual while growing up and others learn a second language. Liberman stated, social differentiation adopts distinctive norms of dress, adornment, gestures and so forth; language is part of the package. Language can be achieved through slang. Liberman is the instructor of the Linguistics course. Natural process in usage is quick or normal pace speech. Individuals speeches can be slower or normal pace if words are repetition in a language. Generation by generation pronunciations of words change and new words are made. For an example, "Word" and "True". Word and true means the same thing due to the generation to generation it changed the word but not the meaning. Language changes are passed down to generations for parents and children to communicate with each other.
Language can be different when you are with your friends and with people you may or may not know. When you hang with your friends you usually use slang to break down words in a smaller meaning. For an example, "lol" stands for laugh out loud. Sociolinguists study not only the way people speak but also the social judgements and perceptions we make based on the way people speak. When you are in a group with others you'll most likely use professional or causal language. For an example, using "hello" while introducing yourself. Language is evolved while you speak to friends or groups because there could be different languages involved or how it is used. Different language communities have certain ways of talking that sets them apart from others.
There is a difference between informal and formal language. Informal language is more causal and spontaneous. For an example, sending a personal email or text messages. Informal language tone is personal than formal language. Formal language is less personal than informal language. For an example, doing a college project or academic assignment. Informal vocabulary words usually shorter words or words with origins in Anglo-Saxon. Formal language does not use first person such as "I" or "we". Formal and informal language are associates with particular choices of grammar and vocabulary. Formal vocabulary usually is longer words or words with origins in Latin or Greek. Formal and informal language changes over time because some generations does not use emails to communicate and communicating with others is becoming more personal.
Really great information you have here! I definitely agree on how language can differ between friends, family, teachers, coworkers, etc. I know I see it whenever I talk between my friends comapred to talking with strangers or professors. It is basically what you discussed about there being informal and formal language. There is definitely a huge difference when it comes to communicating to different people and this is where that informal and formal language come into play. However, there are times where you find yourself using informal language with a stranger or professor or even formal language with coworkers or distant friends. I guess it all depends with how well you know the person or how close you are with them. I think there really is no definite point to what language one must use to communicate with others. Of course, there will be moments where one must solely use formal language, especially if it is something important such as a business meeting or academic wise. Overall liked the information presented!
ReplyDeleteI agree when you mentioned that speech can be slowed down or projected more carefully. That statement reminded me of words in my native language that have an excessive amount of repeated letters. (typically two) Sometimes, when I'm learning a new language or watching a show in a language I'm learning, it's extremely hard to keep up with the context of what the actor/actress is saying if they are speaking rapidly.
ReplyDeleteIt's really intriguing to see the connection between our brains and how language/speech is processed. I think elaborating on "Language Contact" would be a great addition to you article! It really caught my intention especially since I grew up learning two languages. I hung onto English quite a bit more because of the environment I was in but I will definitely look into more of what "Language Contact" consists of!