Semantic change

Definition

Semantic change refers to the process through which the meanings of words evolve over time. This transformation can occur due to various factors, including social interactions, cultural shifts, and technological advancements, leading to shifts in connotation or denotation. Semantic change highlights how language is not static but dynamic, reflecting changes in society and communication practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semantic change can be triggered by shifts in cultural practices, where words may take on new meanings that reflect current societal values.
2. Words can undergo semantic change in multiple directions, including broadening, narrowing, amelioration (positive shift), and pejoration (negative shift).
3. Technological advancements often lead to semantic change as new inventions or concepts require new vocabulary or adaptations of existing words.
4. Historical events and social movements can also catalyze semantic change, influencing how certain words are perceived and used within language communities.
5. Semantic change illustrates the fluidity of language, showing how meanings are not fixed but can adapt based on context and usage.

Review Questions

• How does semantic change reflect societal transformations over time?
  • Semantic change illustrates how the meanings of words evolve in response to societal transformations by incorporating new concepts and values into language. As societies undergo changes such as technological advancements or shifts in cultural norms, the meanings associated with specific terms may broaden or narrow. This dynamic nature of language allows it to remain relevant and aligned with contemporary experiences and ideologies.
• Discuss the different types of semantic change and provide examples for each type.
  • There are several types of semantic change, including broadening, narrowing, amelioration, and pejoration. For example, 'holiday' originally referred specifically to a religious festival (narrowing) but now encompasses any day of celebration or rest (broadening). The term 'knight' has undergone amelioration from a simple servant to a title of honor. Conversely, 'silly' once meant happy or fortunate but has since taken on a more negative connotation related to foolishness (pejoration). Each type illustrates how meanings can shift dramatically over time.
• Evaluate the impact of digital communication on semantic change in contemporary language use.
  • Digital communication has significantly accelerated the process of semantic change by introducing new terms and reshaping existing ones in real-time. For instance, words like 'tweet' and 'like' have expanded beyond their original meanings related to birds and approval, respectively, to represent actions within social media platforms. This rapid evolution reflects how technology influences communication practices and societal interactions, highlighting the adaptability of language in response to modern contexts.

Related terms

Broadening: A type of semantic change where a word's meaning expands to include more referents than it originally did.

Narrowing: A semantic change process in which a word's meaning becomes more specific over time.

Pejoration: The process by which a word develops a more negative meaning than it originally had.