Prescriptivism became firmly established in the 18th Century, when there were strenuous efforts to standardise the language. Books of grammar set out numerous rules and sought to define correct and incorrect usage. The rules of the 18th Century grammarians found their way into school textbooks, and may are still taught today. In fact, many of the complaints about defining standards of grammar in present day English are concerned with breaches in these rules.
For example, the use of double infinitives in ‘I don’t know nothing about that’. These were once perfectly acceptable in English (Chaucer/Shakespeare) and sentences containing them are not likely to be misunderstood.
Borrowing, possibly one of the most influential in language change, occurs when words are taken from other languages. Such words may also be known as loan words. Examples include: soprano (Italian), Lager (German), Pyjama (Indian). Over the centuries English has absorbed an especially large number of French, Latin and Greek words.
Borrowing sometimes occurs when a new idea or product is introduced to English life (the Russian word ‘Vodka’ entered the language in this way). They can also reflect power and prestige that a language has at a particular time. The political and economic power of the US, the influence of American culture are reflected in our use of an increasing number of ‘Americanisms’ (e.g. Gofer, off-limits).
Affixing is the most common source of new words. It involves adding prefixes or suffixes to existing words to form new words. Prefixes often used in this way include micro-(as in ‘microwave’), multi-(as in ‘multimedia’), inter-, super-, mega- and so on.
In modern English, some semantic change has arisen from the desire for political correctness. There has been a drive to replace words and expressions that are considered offensive or demeaning to disadvantages or minority groups. Some notable examples include; Mixed race (replacing ‘Half-caste’), words such as ‘actor, ‘sculptors’ etc (which now refer to females as well as males).
The view most favoured today is that English is neither progressing nor decaying – it is simply changing. Languages adapt themselves to the differing needs of each generation.
Word Count: 425