Jean Aitchison's Theory
When was Aitchison’s book first published?
1981
What causes language to change quickly today?
social media
What does the prescriptive approach say about language?
it shoul dfollow strict rules
What’s a word that was created by combining two words?
brunch
Why do some people dislike prescriptivism?
too strict
What does Aitchison say about language change?
its inevitable
What type of English do prescriptivist think is best?
normal standard english
What does the descriptive approach say about language?
language changes over time
What is it called when people shorten words, like “info” for “information”?
abbrevisations
Why do some people dislike descriptivism?
it may lead to bad vocabulary or grammar
Aitchison says language change can be seen as progress or what?
decay
How do descriptivists see "mistakes" in language?
natural changes
What is it called when people think there is one correct way to speak English?
prescritivism
What type of words are “LOL” and “BRB”?
acronyms
What does Aitchison mean by "golden age"?
language was better in the past
What debate does Aitchison’s theory focus on?
perscriptive vs descriptive langauge
What do people who worry about language decay often fear?
loosing grammar rules
Which approach lets language change naturally?
descriptivism
What is one reason new words are created?
To describe new inventions or ideas.
What is a common argument in favor of descriptivism?
it shows how real people speak.
What main question does Jean Aitchison ask in her book Progress or Decay?
is langauge change good or bad
Name one way technology has affected language.
texting, by making is short and fast
Why do some people like the descriptive view
It allows for new words and ways of speaking
What does “slang” mean?
Informal words used by specificpeople
What does Aitchison say about both sides of the debate?
P: Language change is not fully good or bad
D: it’s natural.