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November 19, 2005
Language Changes & Language Acquistion!
Here are my thoughts about how language changes over time...
Pronunciation--Needs Average Amount of Time To Change--I think that pronunciation takes an average amount of time to change. My reasoning for this is that while it is easy to pronounce a word in a new, different way, it is difficult to adopt this into language. This is because society is accustomed to saying a certain word in a certain way, and adopting a new pronunciation and using it automatically (without thinking about it) is difficult to do. However, if a mispronunciation is used long often enough, it can be adopted by enough people to become commonplace.
Syntax (Order)--Needs Longest Amount of Time To Change--I think that syntax takes the longest amount of time to change because altering syntax requires an integral change in the way we use and construct sentences. Syntax rules are so ingrained in our language that it is difficult to even acknowledge their existence. Thus, changing syntax would be a huge change for society and require society to alter the way the deep-rooted way we think about language.
Lexicon (Vocabulary)--Needs Shortest Amount of Time To Change--I think that vocabulary is the 1st to change out of these three aspects of language because it is very easy to adopt a new word into our language. People make up words for certain things daily, and these words are often embraced by society. Similarly, it is much easier to use a new word then a new pronunciation or set of syntax rules.
This analysis is very reminiscent of the way that infants learn a new language. First, an infant probably picks up certain words, like “mom” and “dad”. However, their pronunciation is not really developed because they are still becoming accustomed to way that their mouths, tongues, and throats function in terms of language. Next, an infant will pick up pronunciation because they have heard the way that their parents and caregivers say certain words in reference to certain objects or actions. Also, they will become more familiar with and more controlling of their ability to speak certain sounds. Lastly, an infant will acquire knowledge of syntax. The reason for this is that, for the most part, order of words is not necessary to convey meaning. For example, if an infant says, “Blankie me,” it is evident that the child is looking for his blanket. Thus, syntax is not really an important part of language acquisition. Also, syntax in certain languages can often be very haphazard, random and difficult to learn. Thus, it takes a longer time to learn syntax than other aspects of language.
Posted by lciscotis at November 19, 2005 12:40 AM