Semantics change over period of time In linguistics
- 2. Topic; Semantic Change Over the Period of time
- 3. Introduction What is semantic change? The term semantic change refers to how the meaning of words changes over time. The development of languages can lead to a change in meaning of words, and in historical linguistics, this phenomenon is known as semantic change. The meaning of a word can either be slightly altered, or it can evolve greatly. While this can cause confusion and misunderstanding, it is also seen as a positive step forward in the growth and adaptation of languages.
- 4. The nature of semantic change It is important to remember that the nature of semantic change is a gradual process. The meaning of a word doesn't just change in an instant, it can take many years. Semantic change often occurs as societal values change. This means that different social or ethnic groups may experience semantic change differently for different words.
- 5. Semantic change can be influenced by a variety of factors, including culture, other languages, as well as the advancement of science and technology. For the most part, there is some predictability in how words change over time, with them usually expanding in meaning. Some words, however, become pejorative, coming to denote something worse. In the 16th century, for example, referring to someone as a “bully” would have been the equivalent of calling them “darling” or “sweetheart.” However, by the 17th century the meaning of the word deteriorated, shifting drastically from “fine fellow” to “blusterer” until finally stopping at the meaning that is closest to us now: harasser of the weak.
- 6. On the contrary, the word “nice,” derived from Latin nescius meaning ignorant, began life in the 14th century as a term for “silly.” From there it embraced many negative qualities, such as wantonness, extravagance, and cowardice. It is not until the Middle Ages that the word took on the attributes of shyness and reserve. The 18th century and its fascination with admirable qualities is what brought on the more positively charged meanings of “nice,” with the values of respectability and virtue taking over. These positive associations remain until today, with the word usually being used as a synonym of “pleasant.”
- 7. Processes Narrowing Semantic narrowing is the process by which a word's meaning becomes less generalized (in other words more specific) over time. This means that the new meaning derives directly from the original meaning. Typically this process is caused by linguistic factors, such as ellipses, and can take many years to occur. Narrowing can also be referred to as semantic specialization or semantic restriction.
- 8. Let's look at two examples of semantic narrowing: Hound The word 'hound', traditionally was used to refer to any type of dog. However, over the centuries the meaning narrowed until it was only used when discussing dogs used when hunting (such as beagles and bloodhounds).
- 9. Broadening Broadening is the process in which the meaning of a word becomes more generalized over time. In order words, the word can be used in more contexts than it could originally. This is sometimes referred to as semantic generalization. Semantic broadening is the antonym of semantic narrowing, as the process that takes place is the opposite. However, like semantic narrowing, this process often occurs over the course of many years. Broadening can be caused by both extra linguistic and linguistic causes, such as a change in worldview, or linguistic analogy.
- 10. Example Business The word, 'business' originally was only used to refer to being busy. However, over the years, the meaning of this word broadened to refer to any type of work or job.
- 11. Shift In Connotation Amelioration Amelioration is a term that refers to when a word acquires a more positive meaning over time. It may also be referred to as semantic amelioration or semantic elevation. Typically this process occurs due to different extralinguistic reasons, such as cultural and worldview changes occurring. Nice The word 'nice' is possibly the most well-known example of amelioration. In the 1300s, the word originally meant that a person was foolish or silly. However, by the 1800s, the process of amelioration had changed this, and the word came to mean that someone was kind and thoughtful. From this, we can see that amelioration is a process that can take centuries to occur.
- 12. Pejoration Pejoration is a term used to describe the process where a word that once had a positive meaning acquires a negative one. It is sometimes also referred to as semantic deterioration. This type of semantic change usually occurs due to extra linguistic causes. This can include a word becoming taboo, or being linked with a taboo within the culture. Silly The word, 'silly', is a common example of pejoration. In Old and Middle English, the term was used to mean that someone was happy, or spiritually blessed. However, over the centuries, this changed and by the 1500s, the word became associated with acting foolishly - as it is today!
- 13. Conclusion : "Alright, here's my topic end. We've seen how words can transform their meanings over time due to cultural shifts, language contact, metaphor, and more. It's truly incredible how language evolves alongside our society and reflects our ever-changing world. By understanding semantic change, we gain insights into the rich tapestry of human communication and the power of words.