Semantics is a field devoted to comprehending the essence of words. Logical and lexical are the two main branches of semantics, with logical semantics focusing on how language relates to real-world objects, and lexical semantics examining individual word meanings.
Semantic change is the gradual development of word meanings over time. Narrowing, broadening, amelioration, pejoration, and semantic reclamation are the five types of semantic change. This article will delve into the reasons behind semantic change, the various types, and provide examples for better understanding.
The term "semantic shift" is also used to describe the transformation of word meanings.
It's important to note that semantic change is a gradual process and not a sudden event. It can take many years for a word's meaning to shift. Additionally, societal values and beliefs play a significant role in semantic change. This means that different social or ethnic groups may experience different semantic changes for certain words.
The reasons behind semantic change can be divided into two main categories: extralinguistic and linguistic. Extralinguistic causes refer to external factors such as social and historical influences, while linguistic causes occur within the language system itself.
Extralinguistic causes can be further divided into three subcategories, as outlined by linguist Andreas Blank.
Linguistic causes of semantic change occur within the language system and tend to take more time than extralinguistic causes. Throughout history, we have seen this gradual evolution of language, as demonstrated by the transformation of Old English into Middle English over centuries.
Some linguistic factors that contribute to semantic change include:
It's important to note that there are additional factors within these causes that can impact semantic change. The table below provides some examples of extralinguistic and linguistic causes of semantic change.
There are five major types of semantic change, each occurring due to different reasons. These types are narrowing, broadening, amelioration, pejoration, and semantic reclamation. Let's delve into the characteristics of each and provide examples.
Narrowing happens when a word's meaning becomes more specific over time.
Language is constantly evolving, and one of the ways it does so is through semantic changes. This refers to the shift in meanings of words over time, either becoming more specific or more general. One common type of semantic change is narrowing, where the meaning of a word becomes narrower in scope. For example, the term 'hound' originally encompassed all dogs, but now specifically refers to hunting breeds such as beagles and bloodhounds.
On the other hand, 'meat' is an example of a word that has undergone semantic narrowing. It used to refer to any type of food, but now specifically means animal flesh.
The opposite of narrowing is broadening, where a word's meaning becomes more general over time. This can be influenced by external factors, such as culture and technology, or internal factors, such as analogy in language. Here are some examples of broadening in the English language:
Semantic amelioration, also known as semantic elevation, refers to the process in which a word's meaning becomes more positive over time. This can occur due to societal changes or cultural shifts. For instance, in the 1300s, the word 'nice' meant foolish or silly, but by the 1800s it had acquired a kind and thoughtful connotation. Many slang terms, like 'sick' and 'wicked', have also undergone semantic amelioration and now have positive meanings.
Pejoration is the opposite of amelioration, where a word that had a positive meaning now has a negative one. This can happen due to societal taboos or associations. A few examples of pejoration include the word 'silly', which used to mean happy or blessed, but now has a connotation of foolishness. Similarly, the term 'attitude' originally referred to someone's posture, but can now also have a negative connotation when describing someone's behavior.
In more recent years, a process called semantic reclamation has emerged. This refers to the act of reclaiming a word that was once used to oppress a marginalized group, and giving it a positive or neutral meaning. However, it's important to note that the word may still be used in a derogatory way. An example of this is the term 'queer', which was once used to insult LGBTQ+ individuals, but has been reclaimed and embraced by the community as a positive and inclusive term.
In conclusion, the constantly evolving nature of language is evident through the various semantic changes that take place. By understanding the different types and causes of these changes, we can gain a deeper understanding of how language evolves and adapts to the world around us.
Semantic change is a common occurrence in language, where the meaning of a word shifts over time. This process can be influenced by external factors, such as social and historical changes, as well as internal factors involving language itself. Let's take a look at the four main types of semantic change and some real-life examples.
Semantic change refers to the evolution of a word's meaning. There are four main types of semantic change:
A lesser-known type of semantic change is semantic reclamation, where a word that was once used to belittle a particular group is reclaimed by that group and used with a positive connotation. A famous instance of this is the word 'queer,' which was once a derogatory term for the LGBTQ+ community but is now embraced and celebrated within that community.
Semantic change is a natural process that can be observed in everyday language. Some common examples include:
In conclusion, semantic change is a crucial aspect of language evolution, influenced by different factors. By understanding the various types of semantic change, we can better comprehend the meanings and evolution of words in our daily conversations.