Grammatical Systems and Change - Literature review Example

Grammatical Systems and Change Introduction Definition of Language and Grammar Language is regarded as the process of communicating facts amongst theindividuals by using specific and defined signals or codes. These signals or codes are viewed to be vocal sounds, written symbols and gestures. Moreover, grammar is duly considered as the systematic structuring of the codes of a language. This systematic structuring of the codes or symbols of a language leads to the creation of a meaningful and an effective communication process (Wei, 2013). Thesis Statement There has been a significant change in language and grammar from the past to the modern day context due to the persistence of several reasons. Moreover, it is also observed that such changes are also of different types. Although certain benefits can be reaped from grammatical systems and change, the cons of the same cannot also be avoided. Regardless of the pros and cons, it is expected that language and grammatical change will take place in future, making the communication procedure more convenient for the individuals. Significance of the Study The study concerning grammatical and linguistic changes is of extreme importance from the perspective of the students and the scholars, as these aid them to develop their respective linguistic skills. The significance of the study also lies in undertaking a depth knowledge regarding native and other languages. Definition of Terms In the course of the study with regards to grammatical systems along with change, certain terms are identified to be used frequently. These terms have been elaborately defined in the following section: Diachronic Linguistics. Diachronic linguistics is the study of language from its historical development. It is extremely important in determining the origin of languages and their subsequent developments (Wei, 2013). Analogy. In the context of linguistics, analogy is the process through which words are formed and modified based on the existing grammatical systems (Wei, 2013). Dialects. Dialects are deemed to be the regional variety of languages. This variety is predominantly based upon varied aspects of a language including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and other related factors (Wei, 2013). Discussion Historical Background According to Bobock (2013), language had been in the earth since the inception of man. However, there has been an absolute change in the language from the inception to the modern era of civilisation. In this regard, there has been a debate regarding the origin of language amid different scholars. However, according to certain scholars, the birth of language had taken place through the sign languages. From the perspective of the notion concerning diachronic linguistics, it can be affirmed that the development of languages occurred through the introduction of vocal dialects. It is strongly believed that the development of vocal languages took place through the intimation of sounds by the people. However, according to some other scholars, the origin of language had taken place through gesture. This can be justified with reference to the fact that the intimation of the gestures of other living and non-living languages lead towards the learning of languages. Although the generation of languages had been evolved in the previous years, its development can be witnessed through gradual changes. These changes and development of the languages had been mainly occurred through the formation of different ethnic groups. Demographic and geographical changes amongst the group of people are the prime reasons for the evolution of language. Moreover, it is also believed that the migration of people of one geographical location to other had also led towards the alteration of languages. Specially mentioning, the separation of a group of people leads towards language fission. On the other hand, the join of two different groups of people had lead towards the fusion of language. It is worth mentioning that the separation and joining of different groups of people is typically because of the occurrence of several natural disasters that took place in this world, leading towards gradual changes in language (Wei, 2013). Types of Language and Grammatical Changes According to Stehling (2012), language and grammatical change along with systems have been a gradual phenomenon that took place in regular intervals. In this regard, such change and systems are identified to be broadly divided into two types. These include internal and external changes. Theoretically, external change or system takes place through the borrowing of languages from others. Another type of grammatical change, which is evident from the course of time, is the internal change. This internal change takes place through the addition, removal or modification of sounds or lexical items. Coinage of new words is also regarded as an internal change. Moreover, language and grammatical change is also divided into the following types based on level wise study (Stehling, 2012). Sound Change. As per the viewpoints presented by Stehling (2012), linguistic studies conducted in the past had begun through sound changes within a language. In this regard, it is observed that sound change of language and grammar is also further categorised into three types. One of such types includes unconditioned or generic change. This is a type of sound change in a language, which affects every word of a language. Moreover, the other type of sound change is the conditioned or combinatory change. In this type of sound change, the speakers use certain type of sounds in a specific condition or circumstance. This can be better understood from the fact that the speakers often use different forms of sounds in formal as well as informal environments or circumstances. Furthermore, another type of sound change observed is the sporadic change. In this type of sound change, the change in sound is for specific words. Moreover, it is also observed that such type of sound changes in words is not regular (Wei, 2013). Grammatical and Lexical Change. Wei (2013) noted that grammatical change in a language is the transformation made in vocabulary and grammar. Identifiably, in grammatical changes, the transformation in language mainly takes place quite systematically. This is termed as analogy. Based on different forms of analogy, grammatical changes are also categorised into three types. One of such is the pure grammatical change. In this form of change, grammatical system of a language is duly considered. For instance, the probability of change in the words such as “can”, “will”, “shall” in English language to “could”, “would” and “should”. This change and formation of past tenses are purely based on grammatical systems. Another form of grammatical change observed is the notion of semantic. In this form of change of a language, certain words are influenced by other words. This is prominently observed in the formation of the words including “male” and “female” in English. In this regard, it is important to note that these two words originated from French language. However, in French, “female” is written as “femelle”. It is projected that the change from “femelle” to “female” in English had taken place due to the persistence of semantic link with the word “male”. Furthermore, the evidence of other type of grammatical change can be traced back based on back information considering the transformations made in the words. In this regard, certain words are created by the influence of other words. This can be better understood from the formation of the English word “beg” from “beggar” and “sing” from “singer” (Stehling, 2012). With regards to the viewpoints of Stehling (2012), there exist certain differences between grammatical and lexical changes. Lexical changes are visualised as the transformations made in the vocabulary of a language. It is worth mentioning that lexical changes are of different types. One of such types is the loss of lexical items. This loss of lexical items in a language takes place through the internal along with the external factors as discussed above. In this regard, human tendency of shortening words is a common type of loss or attrition of lexical items. For instance, the shortening of English words “refrigerator”, “television” and “aeroplane” into “fridge”, “TV” and “plane” respectively. Moreover, another form of lexical change can be apparently noted in the form of modifying the meaning of words. In this regard, it is to be affirmed that certain words have different meaning in the past and the same had changed gradually. For instance, the word “persona”, which denotes “mask”, is applied in the Roman drama or play. However, with due course of time, Stehling (2012) observed that in the Roman drama, a character with a mask was indicated as “persona”. Thereby, the meaning of the word “persona” changed to “character” or “role in a play”. More importantly, creation of new lexical items has also contributed in the change of language. The formation of new lexical items is mainly due to the reason of incorporating the external as well as internal borrowings of words. In this regard, external borrowings of the words refer to taking words from different languages. For instance, it is strongly believed that the English words such as “power”, “crown” and “state” among others have been borrowed from French language. On the other hand, the English words including “alchemy” and “zenith” have been borrowed from Arabic language. In contrast, the internal borrowings of words denote using such words that consider by certain communities within the same language speaking group. In this regard, the best instances are evident from the English words such as “bird”, “snob” and “squabble” among the prime ones (Stehling, 2012). Semantic Change. Stehling (2012) noted that the change in the usage of words pertaining to a language is known as semantic change. In relation to the above context, semantic change of language is also categorised into different types. One of such type of semantic change is regarded as metaphor. This form of change is based upon the similarities persisted amid the concepts. The best instance of this context can be ascertained as the usage of the word “mouse” in English, which resembles the name of an animal and at the same time of a computer device. Another such semantic change is based upon the contiguity prevailing amid the different concepts. This is known as metonymy. The best instance in this regard is the usage of English word “horn” in defining the body part of animals and a musical instrument. Moreover, another semantic change observed is the specialisation of meaning. In this regard, the best instance in this regard is the usage of the English word “wheat” in the UK and “maize” in the US. Apart from these, the notion of ellipsis is deemed to be the other form of semantic change, which represents the factor concerning contiguity of names (Stehling, 2012). Reason for Language and Grammatical Changes and the Formation of Systems From the course of the study concerning language and grammatical changes, it is important to note that there are certain reasons, which influenced in making language and grammatical changes along with forming effective systems. These reasons have been elaborately discussed in detail hereunder. Inter-Generational Transmission. According to Wedell & Malderez (2013), one of the major reasons for language and grammatical change is recognised to be the inter-generational transmission. In relation to this particular reason, it can be affirmed that the modern world witnessed about the increased level of migration of the people from one place to the other or in any other purpose. It is worth mentioning that this particular factor certainly led towards change in the language of those migrated people and made them to get equipped with the grammatical systems prevailing within the final destinations wherein they are migrated. More importantly, it is often observed that through migration, a few of the people had partially adopted the language of their final destinations, while they also speak their native languages. This mixed form of two languages or more had led towards the formation of grammatical systems and also making wider changes in the same as per the prevailing conditions. This hybrid language is then transferred to the subsequent generations (Wedell & Malderez, 2013). Variation and Prestige. As per the viewpoints presented by Wedell & Malderez (2013), another major reason that influenced language and grammatical change and the formation of the systems, is the variation of one language from other. It is often observed that people are attracted by different languages and equipped with the variations of the same. It is strongly believed that a majority of the people learn different languages with the objective of gaining high prestige in the respective societies wherein such people belong to. At the same time, it can be perceived that there are certain languages in the world that are provided with immense importance as compared to others. Thus, people tend to learn those languages in order to gain reputation and prestige in the society. This learning of new languages by non native individuals eventually leads towards the generation of a new language. This is partially similar to the native and the learned languages. Identifiably, several languages have been formed in this world from the diffusion of two or more languages and have been viewed to get modified due to the influence of other languages (Wedell & Malderez, 2013). External Causes. According to Wedell & Malderez (2013), it has been quite evident that language change had greatly occurred due to the persistence of certain external factors. One of such external factors includes the formation of different languages that make changes in other languages. Apart from this, the other external factor entails borrowing of words from other languages. For instance, it can be claimed that certain English words such as adobe, alcohol, algebra and assassin among others have been borrowed from Arabic language. Moreover, the words such as peon, stampede, tobacco and vanilla are also claimed to be derived from Spanish language (Wedell & Malderez, 2013). Internal Causes. Wedell & Malderez (2013) identified another major reason for language and grammatical change is the emergence of certain internal factors. There lays several languages wherein broader transformations are witnessed through the formation of different internal dialects. Thus, from this notion, it is quite clear that a majority of the languages possess several dialects. These dialects greatly influence to change the core language by a certain level. Moreover, it is also observed that these dialects have greatly influenced in making the other dialects to change accordingly, making the fusion amongst different dialects more apparent (Wedell & Malderez, 2013). Pros of Language and Grammatical Changes and Systems Blaine (2014) affirmed that language and grammatical change had been a gradual process from the past. However, language changes took place in a conscious manner, while some in unconscious way. Specially mentioning, the language changes that took place through consciousness are majorly for gaining self-benefits. One of such benefits in relation to the speakers can be ascertained as communicating with different people in an efficient manner. This particular benefit is likely to be gained through the development in the grammatical systems of language and making necessary changes in the same. It will be vital to mention that language change has been an indispensable factor for several people. Thus, the adaptation of external words and coinage of new words would certainly lead towards reaping the benefits of forming effective grammatical systems and likewise making necessary changes in the same that would result in promoting better communication amid the individuals (Blaine, 2014). Cons of Language and Grammatical Changes and Systems Although there are certain major factors that have the potentiality of generating certain potential benefits relating to language and grammatical changes along with systems, there also lay certain disadvantages associated with the same. In this regard, according to Dugan (2014), one of the cons associated with language and grammatical changes along with systems is the extinction of several words, which offers a great loss to a language. This extinction of worlds has been quite apparent in this present day context as compared to the earlier years. In terms of explaining the cons of language and grammatical changes along with systems, it can be found that language and grammatical changes along with systems are generating significant issues in understanding old books. Justifiably, the old books comprise certain words that have completely different meaning as compared to the new ones. This certainly affects the learning procedure of the scholars as well as the students by a certain level. Moreover, it is also evident that grammatical and language changes along with the formation of this similar kind of systems had lead towards creating confusions amid the people, resulting in arising varied communication barriers (Dugan, 2014). Future of Language and Grammatical Systems and Change According to Katz (2013), significant changes are witnessed in the language and grammatical systems in this modern day scenario in comparison with the previous years. Thus, it is projected that several languages would eventually create new and modified languages with the use of words in a different manner. It is worth mentioning that there exist certain ways based on which the future of grammatical systems as well as change can be made secured. In this regard, one of such ways entails the use of short words and sentences to denote complex and long ones. Apart from this, the future of the grammatical systems and change can also be made secured in raising more consciousness about the grammatical significance of language amid the speakers and also the readers. As a result, it is projected that people would be able to communicate effectively with others, resulting in easily being equipped with the persisting grammatical systems and change. The language and grammatical change along with systems in future would be highly convenient in communicating with different people of distinct languages (Katz, 2013). Conclusion From the above analysis and discussion, it is quite evident that there have been extensive changes in the grammatical systems in this contemporary era in comparison with the previous years. In this regard, certain reasons are identified to contribute in making certain changes. These reasons included inter-generational transmission, variation along with prestige and external along with internal language influence among others. Identifiably, there are certain types of changes that became much apparent in language and grammatical systems. These comprised sound change, grammatical as well as lexical changes and semantic change. These changes are extremely useful in forming effective communication with other people. Despite of having certain strong arguments regarding the pros of language and grammatical changes along with systems, it is to be affirmed that these changes and systems give rise to several disadvantageous factors. One of such factors is the loss of the original language. This greatly impacts a society and its members. With this concern, it is expected that in spite of the pros and cons associated with such change and systems, these would certainly change in terms of improvement in future. This change can be measured in the form of creating fusion amid different languages and using words in a simpler manner. Thus, it can be concluded that the expected grammatical systems and change would get developed in future based on limiting the threat concerning the extinction of original languages. References Blaine, P. (2014). Change your words, change your worth: how to get a job, a promotion, and more by speaking and writing effectively. The United States: iUniverse. Bobock, B. (2013). Similarities and common denominators in second language acquisition approaches: A theory of many theories? The United Kingdom: GRIN Verlag. Dugan, C. (2014). Academic vocabulary level 2--then and now. The United States: Teacher Created Materials. Katz, S. M. (2013). Metaphor and fields: common ground, common language and the future of psychoanalysis: common ground, common language, and the future of psychoanalysis. London: Routledge. Stehling, D. (2012). Competing motivations in the process of language change. The United Kingdom: GRIN Verlag. Wedell, M., & Malderez, A. (2013). Understanding language classroom contexts: the starting point for change. The United States: A&C Black. Wei, L. (2013). Applied linguistics. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Read More