In order to understand the different reasonings why meanings have changed the way they did, it is first necessary to understand what exactly is meant by the term how words can change their meaning and what results from these changes. The first part of this paper therefore consists of a short description of the most common ways in which words can change their meanings; in addition to that, there will be an overview of some basic types (or results) of semantic change. Afterwards, there will be a discussion of the different approaches of finding reasons for semantic change, according to the division given above. Finally, there is also a section with the most obvious issues in criticism, followed by a short conclusion.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Semantic Change – Basics
- 2.1 Categories of Semantic Change
- 2.2 Results of Semantic Change
- 3. Reasons for Semantic Change
- 3.1 General reasons for semantic change
- 3.1.1 Meillet's distinction in Social, Historical and Linguistic Reasons
- 3.1.2 Metaphors, Euphemisms and Taboo as Reasons for Semantic Change
- 3.1.3 The avoidance of excessive homonymy
- 3.1.4 The avoidance of synonymy
- 3.1.5 Jost Trier's Wortfeldtheorie
- 3.2 Individual Speaker Causes
- 3.3 The Invisible Hand Explanation
- 4. Criticism
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide an overview of the various approaches linguists have taken to explain semantic change in the English language. It explores different perspectives, from macro-level societal influences to micro-level individual speaker choices, acknowledging the complexities and lack of a single definitive answer.
- Categories and types of semantic change
- Macro-level explanations for semantic change (societal and historical factors)
- Micro-level explanations for semantic change (individual speaker influences)
- The debate surrounding the "invisible hand" explanation of semantic change
- Critical evaluation of existing theories
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by posing the fundamental question of why words change their meanings. It uses a Chaucerian quote as an example of how changes in word meaning can affect comprehension. The chapter establishes the core problem—understanding the reasons behind semantic shifts—and introduces the three main approaches to this problem: macro-level societal factors, micro-level individual speaker influences, and the "invisible hand" explanation which suggests neither of these alone fully accounts for the phenomenon. The introduction outlines the paper's structure, promising to explore these different approaches and critically assess them.
2. Semantic Change - Basics: This chapter provides foundational knowledge necessary to understand the subsequent discussion on the reasons for semantic change. It begins by outlining the various categories of semantic change, emphasizing that these changes only become established when adopted by a broader speech community. The chapter then details key mechanisms of semantic change, including metaphor (illustrated by the word "head"), metonymy (using "crown" to refer to a monarch), euphemism (replacing offensive terms with inoffensive ones), irony (using words contrary to their literal meaning), and implicatures (implicit meanings conveyed through utterances). The chapter's importance lies in establishing the processes through which words alter their meanings, creating a solid groundwork for analyzing the *why* of semantic change in later sections.
Keywords
Semantic change, English language, metaphor, metonymy, euphemism, irony, implicature, historical linguistics, societal influences, individual speaker, invisible hand explanation, word meaning, vocabulary evolution.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Semantic Change
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of semantic change in the English language. It explores various approaches linguists use to explain why word meanings change over time.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The document covers an introduction to semantic change, the basics of semantic change (including categories and results), reasons for semantic change (both general and individual speaker causes, including Meillet's distinctions and Jost Trier's Wortfeldtheorie), a critical evaluation of existing theories, and a conclusion. Specific subtopics include metaphors, euphemisms, taboo, homonymy, synonymy, and the "invisible hand" explanation.
What are the objectives and key themes of this paper?
The paper aims to provide a broad overview of the diverse perspectives on semantic change. It examines both macro-level (societal and historical) and micro-level (individual speaker) explanations, acknowledging the complexity of the subject and the lack of a single, definitive answer. Key themes include categories of semantic change, macro- and micro-level explanations, the "invisible hand" debate, and critical evaluation of existing theories.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction establishes the core problem of understanding semantic shifts and introduces three main approaches: macro-level societal factors, micro-level individual speaker influences, and the "invisible hand" explanation. Chapter 2 provides the basics of semantic change, outlining categories and mechanisms like metaphor, metonymy, euphemism, irony, and implicature. The remaining chapters delve into the reasons for semantic change and critically evaluate existing theories.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include: Semantic change, English language, metaphor, metonymy, euphemism, irony, implicature, historical linguistics, societal influences, individual speaker, invisible hand explanation, word meaning, vocabulary evolution.
What is Meillet's distinction in the context of reasons for semantic change?
The document mentions Meillet's distinction as a framework for understanding the general reasons for semantic change, separating them into social, historical, and linguistic factors. Further details on this distinction would need to be found within the full text of the document.
What is Jost Trier's Wortfeldtheorie?
Jost Trier's Wortfeldtheorie (field theory) is mentioned as a relevant concept in understanding the reasons for semantic change. The specific details of this theory would need to be explored within the complete document.
What is the "invisible hand" explanation of semantic change?
The "invisible hand" explanation is presented as one of the three major approaches to understanding semantic change. It posits that neither macro-level societal factors nor micro-level individual speaker choices alone fully account for the phenomenon, suggesting a more complex interplay of influences.
- Quote paper
- Judith Schwickart (Author), 2007, Reasons for semantic change in the english language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/74910
