Semantic Change & The Process
Semantic Change: refers to the ways existing words alter their meaning to reflect the changes in society; since language change reflects social change!
If you are given a word in the exam which you are familiar with but it seems to mean something different from what you would expect, it is likely to have undergone semantic change. Look at the context to try and decipher the meaning.
NICE:
If you are given a word in the exam which you are familiar with but it seems to mean something different from what you would expect, it is likely to have undergone semantic change. Look at the context to try and decipher the meaning.
NICE:
- 12th Century= “careless, clumsy; weak; poor, needy; simple, stupid, silly, foolish”
- 14th Century= “timid”
- 19th Century= “kind, thoughtful.”
Types of Semantic Change:
- Extension (broadening) – A word widens its meaning.
E.g- Holiday. Previously it meant ‘holy day’, now it means any day when you don’t have to work.
Branding is also another form of extension. This is when a brand name is associated with all versions of a product. E.g- Coke. - Narrowing- A word becomes more specialised.
E.g- Girls. Previously it meant any young person, nowadays we know it means a young female. - Figurative (metaphor)- A word can shift in meaning based on a likeness between things.
E.g- Crane = bird with long neck & a piece of machinery with a long wire arm.
Mouse= small, furry creature & a piece of computer equipment. - Amelioration- A word changes from having negative connotations to more positive connotations. It can lose its original sense of disapproval.
E.g- Wicked= Evil & superb
Sick= Ill & great - Pejoration- A word changes from having positive connotations to negative connotations. It can develop a sense of disapproval.
E.g- Cowboy= A man who words on the land on horseback. However, nowadays we use it to refer to a dishonest business person.