Types of semantic change

Definition

Types of semantic change refer to the various ways in which the meanings of words evolve over time. These changes can occur due to social, cultural, or contextual influences that shift the perception or usage of language, resulting in new meanings or interpretations of words. Understanding these changes is crucial for grasping how languages develop and adapt throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semantic change can happen gradually as society and culture evolve, often reflecting changes in technology, beliefs, or social structures.
2. Common types of semantic change include broadening, narrowing, amelioration (positive shift), and pejoration (negative shift).
3. Contextual usage plays a significant role in how a word's meaning may shift, with colloquial speech often influencing formal language.
4. Etymology can reveal fascinating insights into the original meanings of words and how they've transformed over centuries.
5. Literary works often serve as documentation of semantic changes, showcasing the evolution of language through different periods.

Review Questions

• How does broadening differ from narrowing in terms of semantic change?
  • Broadening occurs when a word's meaning expands to include more concepts or items than it originally denoted. For example, the word 'holiday' originally referred to 'holy day' but has broadened to encompass any day of celebration or relaxation. In contrast, narrowing happens when a word's meaning becomes more specific over time, such as the word 'meat,' which once meant food in general but now refers specifically to animal flesh.
• Discuss how societal changes influence types of semantic change in language.
  • Societal changes heavily influence semantic change by altering the contexts in which words are used. For instance, technological advancements may introduce new terms or repurpose existing ones to fit new contexts, leading to broadening or shifts in meaning. Social movements can also drive pejoration or amelioration in language, as words take on new connotations based on cultural attitudes and perceptions. This dynamic relationship between language and society illustrates how closely tied meaning is to human experience.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding types of semantic change for linguists and historians.
  • Understanding types of semantic change is vital for linguists and historians as it provides insights into how language reflects societal values and historical contexts. Analyzing these changes allows researchers to trace cultural shifts and understand how communities adapt their communication methods over time. Moreover, it helps in preserving linguistic heritage by documenting how meanings evolve, which is crucial for both language preservation and historical analysis. This knowledge also aids in interpreting literature and texts from different eras by clarifying what specific words meant at those times.

Related terms

Broadening: A type of semantic change where a word's meaning becomes more inclusive than its original sense.

Narrowing: A type of semantic change where a word's meaning becomes more specific than its original sense.

Semantic Shift: A general term describing the process where a word's meaning changes over time, encompassing broadening, narrowing, and other forms of meaning evolution.