Linguistic change can be studied from various perspectives and each viewpoint offers different insights into this phenomenon. Among social factors, there are also functional, typological, generative and external causes involved in the process of linguistic change. In order to gain an understanding of the meaning of linguistic transmission it is important to first consider the distinction between transmission of change within languages and diffusion of change across languages with regard to the family tree model and its notion of linguistic descent. This knowledge provides the foundation for the generative approach, which facilitates the discourse on transmission of linguistic change with regard to children’s innate predisposition towards language learning and a biological grammar inherent to the human faculty of language.
To further expand on the relevance of internal factors, the ease of effort theory evaluates from a functionalist perspective how natural tendencies influence the course of language evolution and thereby, the transmission of language change. Finally, the juxtaposition of the diachronic and synchronic dimension offers to consider a reformed approach towards the different perspectives on language change in a more holistic way. In doing so, the close relations between the approaches can serve as basis for the discussion on the overall significance of internal, external, social, linguistic, biological, acquisitional, typological and functional factors involved in the transmission of linguistic change. In essence, this essay aims to illustrate the variety of factors that are involved in the transmission of linguistic change and thereby demonstrate that, even though language change is naturally embedded in the social environment of a language space, it is not limited to social factors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Transmission of Linguistic Change: Approaches and Causes
- Transmission and Diffusion of Language Change
- Generative Language Learning and Universal Grammar
- The Predestination of Language Evolution
- Negotiating Diachrony and Synchrony: A new Perspective?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the diverse factors influencing the transmission of linguistic change. It investigates the distinction between transmission and diffusion of change, highlighting the impact of both internal and external forces. The essay aims to demonstrate that while language change is undeniably embedded in the social environment, it is not solely determined by social factors.
- The role of transmission and diffusion in language change.
- The influence of internal and external factors on linguistic development.
- The impact of generative language learning and Universal Grammar on language change.
- The relationship between diachronic and synchronic perspectives on language change.
- The diverse factors, including social, linguistic, and biological elements, that contribute to language change.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of linguistic change and the various perspectives involved in its study. It emphasizes the significance of understanding the distinction between transmission and diffusion in order to grasp the multifaceted nature of language change.
- The Transmission of Linguistic Change: Approaches and Causes: This chapter delves into the distinction between transmission and diffusion of language change. It utilizes the family tree model and the wave model to illustrate the mechanisms behind internal and external factors influencing language evolution. The chapter explores how the family tree model reflects the notion of linguistic descent and the role of incrementation in the creation of internal changes within languages. It also examines the wave model and its relevance to the diffusion of linguistic features across language branches, emphasizing the significance of language contact situations and dialect levelling in shaping linguistic diversity.
- Transmission and Diffusion of Language Change: This chapter provides a more detailed analysis of the transmission and diffusion of language change, building upon the foundations laid in the previous chapter. It discusses the family tree model and its connection to the concept of linguistic descent, highlighting the influence of imperfect replication and internal language change on the distances between branches. The chapter further explores the role of external influences and language contact situations in promoting diffusion and reducing the distances between branches. It also introduces the wave model as a tool for understanding the mechanisms involved in the spreading of linguistic change. This chapter emphasizes the dichotomy between transmission and diffusion and their impact on linguistic diversity.
- Generative Language Learning and Universal Grammar: This chapter focuses on the generative approach to language change, highlighting its connection to the traditional diachronic approach and the family tree model. It explores the notion of language continuity and the significance of generational transmission of linguistic features. The chapter emphasizes the role of children's innate predisposition towards language learning and the influence of Universal Grammar in shaping their language acquisition. While acknowledging the impact of social and environmental factors, the chapter emphasizes the crucial role of children's innate abilities in driving language change.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this essay include linguistic change, transmission, diffusion, internal factors, external factors, social factors, generative language learning, Universal Grammar, family tree model, wave model, grammaticalization, typological studies, diachronic and synchronic perspectives, and language acquisition. The essay investigates how these elements interact to shape the ongoing evolution of languages.
- Citar trabajo
- M. Amira (Autor), 2021, Is Transmission of Linguistic Change limited to Social Factors?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1330367
