Studying Language Change (AQA A-Level English Language): Flashcards

How language norms & usage patterns evolve over time

Complex structures becoming simpler over time

Words developing new meanings or losing old ones

Adding prefixes/suffixes to existing words

Combining two separate words into one new word

Over 60% from other languages throughout history

Regional language differences becoming less pronounced

Language should follow strict rules; changes are errors

Language naturally evolves; observe actual usage

Late Middle English, roughly 1400-1700