3. Introduction
What is semantic change?
The term semantic change refers to how the meaning of words
changes over time.
The development of languages can lead to a change in meaning
of words, and in historical linguistics, this phenomenon is
known as semantic change. The meaning of a word can either
be slightly altered, or it can evolve greatly. While this can
cause confusion and misunderstanding, it is also seen as a
positive step forward in the growth and adaptation of
languages.
4. The nature of semantic change
It is important to remember that the nature of semantic change
is a gradual process. The meaning of a word doesn't just change
in an instant, it can take many years.
Semantic change often occurs as societal values change. This
means that different social or ethnic groups may experience
semantic change differently for different words.
5. Semantic change can be influenced by a variety of factors,
including culture, other languages, as well as the
advancement of science and technology. For the most part,
there is some predictability in how words change over time,
with them usually expanding in meaning. Some words,
however, become pejorative, coming to denote something
worse.
In the 16th century, for example, referring to someone as a
“bully” would have been the equivalent of calling them
“darling” or “sweetheart.”
However, by the 17th century the meaning of the word
deteriorated, shifting drastically from “fine fellow” to
“blusterer” until finally stopping at the meaning that is
closest to us now: harasser of the weak.
6. On the contrary, the word “nice,” derived from
Latin nescius meaning ignorant, began life in the
14th century as a term for “silly.” From there it embraced
many negative qualities, such as wantonness,
extravagance, and cowardice. It is not until the Middle
Ages that the word took on the attributes of shyness
and reserve. The 18th century and its fascination with
admirable qualities is what brought on the more
positively charged meanings of “nice,” with the values
of respectability and virtue taking over. These positive
associations remain until today, with the word usually
being used as a synonym of “pleasant.”
7. Processes
Narrowing
Semantic narrowing is the process by which a word's
meaning becomes less generalized (in other words more
specific) over time. This means that the new meaning
derives directly from the original meaning. Typically this
process is caused by linguistic factors, such as ellipses,
and can take many years to occur. Narrowing can also be
referred to as semantic specialization or semantic
restriction.
8. Let's look at two examples of semantic narrowing:
Hound
The word 'hound', traditionally was used to refer to any
type of dog. However, over the centuries the meaning
narrowed until it was only used when discussing dogs
used when hunting (such as beagles and
bloodhounds).
9. Broadening
Broadening is the process in which the meaning of a word
becomes more generalized over time. In order words, the
word can be used in more contexts than it could
originally. This is sometimes referred to as semantic
generalization.
Semantic broadening is the antonym of semantic
narrowing, as the process that takes place is the
opposite. However, like semantic narrowing, this process
often occurs over the course of many years. Broadening can
be caused by both extra linguistic and linguistic causes,
such as a change in worldview, or linguistic analogy.
10. Example
Business
The word, 'business' originally was only used to refer to
being busy. However, over the years, the meaning of
this word broadened to refer to any type of work or job.
11. Shift In Connotation
Amelioration
Amelioration is a term that refers to when a word acquires a more positive
meaning over time. It may also be referred to as semantic
amelioration or semantic elevation. Typically this process occurs due to
different extralinguistic reasons, such as cultural and worldview changes
occurring.
Nice
The word 'nice' is possibly the most well-known example of
amelioration. In the 1300s, the word originally meant that a person was
foolish or silly. However, by the 1800s, the process of amelioration had
changed this, and the word came to mean that someone was kind and
thoughtful. From this, we can see that amelioration is a process that
can take centuries to occur.
12. Pejoration
Pejoration is a term used to describe the process where a word that
once had a positive meaning acquires a negative one. It is
sometimes also referred to as semantic deterioration. This type of
semantic change usually occurs due to extra linguistic causes. This
can include a word becoming taboo, or being linked with a taboo
within the culture.
Silly
The word, 'silly', is a common example of pejoration. In Old and
Middle English, the term was used to mean that someone was happy,
or spiritually blessed. However, over the centuries, this changed and
by the 1500s, the word became associated with acting foolishly - as it
is today!
13. Conclusion :
"Alright, here's my topic end. We've seen how words
can transform their meanings over time due to cultural
shifts, language contact, metaphor, and more. It's truly
incredible how language evolves alongside our society
and reflects our ever-changing world. By
understanding semantic change, we gain insights into
the rich tapestry of human communication and the
power of words.
