Some Language Change Tasks

Morning!

Today you are going to do a variety of tasks on language change - just trying to keep you busy!

TASK 1: LEXIS

We have discussed the concept of 'borrowing.' This is when words from other languages become part of our own.

Find out where these words have all come from:

anorak barbeque barrack blizzard bongo bonsai boomerang budgerigar bungalow chipmunk chutney dinghy  dungarees gnu haiku hamburger igloo kangaroo karaoke ketchup llama mohair potato puma pyjamas safari sauna  shampoo sherbert ski skyscraper taboo tattoo tea toboggan tortilla totem trek tycoon yeti

 

 

TASK 2: PHONOLOGY

We have also begun to consider attitudes to changing language and language in general.

Read the following article on accents and write a summary of the opinions presented in the piece. Accent

What is your experience of different accents? How would you describe your accent? Have you ever been judged because of how you speak?

Find another article about accent and post it on your blog.

 

TASK 3: GRAMMAR & LEXIS

Read the 18th Century text attached.

18th Century Diary

 What do you notice about the grammar? Think about sentence order eg where words are placed; think about use of prepositions; and think about the types of sentences used. Write a paragraph on your findings.

Next, consider the lexis and semantics of the text - can you find any examples of language change? What process has happened?

This is from  the British Library Archive - a fantastic resource for language change - have a look around.

British Library

 

 

A2 Language Work - Media Text & Language Change

Good Morning!

A couple of things to do today.

Firstly, a quick exercise on language change.

Look at the following words. Each one is followed by its earlier meaning and has gone under a process of semantic change. Explain the modern meaning and explain what process the word has gone through. Post your response on your blog.

• Lean: thin, emaciated
• Novice: a member of a religious order who has not taken vows yet
• Revolutionary: someone who favours overthrowing the government
• Lewd: not having an official position in the church.

EXT: what other ways does langauge undergo sematic change.

Secondly, continue work on your media text. Remember this is a 750-1000 word text. Most of you will write an article. You need to think carefully about the context of your text and make sure your language reflects this.

Hand in your first draft of this on Friday.

Have fune!