PPT Semantics

(21021502-049)
Topic;
Semantic Change Over the
Period of time
Introduction
 What is semantic change?
The term semantic change refers to how the meaning of words
changes over time.
The development of languages can lead to a change in meaning
of words, and in historical linguistics, this phenomenon is
known as semantic change. The meaning of a word can either
be slightly altered, or it can evolve greatly. While this can
cause confusion and misunderstanding, it is also seen as a
positive step forward in the growth and adaptation of
languages.
The nature of semantic change

It is important to remember that the nature of semantic change

is a gradual process. The meaning of a word doesn't just
change in an instant, it can take many years.
Semantic change often occurs as societal values change. This
means that different social or ethnic groups may experience
semantic change differently for different words.
Semantic change can be influenced by a variety of factors,
including culture, other languages, as well as the advancement of
science and technology. For the most part, there is some
predictability in how words change over time, with them usually
expanding in meaning. Some words, however, become pejorative,
coming to denote something worse.
In the 16th century, for example, referring to someone as a “bully”
would have been the equivalent of calling them “darling” or
“sweetheart.”
However, by the 17th century the meaning of the word
deteriorated, shifting drastically from “fine fellow” to “blusterer”
until finally stopping at the meaning that is closest to us now:
harasser of the weak.
On the contrary, the word “nice,” derived from
Latin nescius meaning ignorant, began life in the
14th century as a term for “silly.” From there it embraced
many negative qualities, such as wantonness,
extravagance, and cowardice. It is not until the Middle
Ages that the word took on the attributes of shyness and
reserve. The 18th century and its fascination with admirable
qualities is what brought on the more positively charged
meanings of “nice,” with the values of respectability and
virtue taking over. These positive associations remain until
today, with the word usually being used as a synonym of
“pleasant.”
Processes
Narrowing
Semantic narrowing is the process by which a word's
meaning becomes less generalized (in other words more
specific) over time. This means that the new meaning
derives directly from the original meaning. Typically this
process is caused by linguistic factors, such as ellipses,
and can take many years to occur. Narrowing can also be
referred to as semantic specialization or semantic
restriction.
Let's look at two examples of semantic narrowing:
Hound
The word 'hound', traditionally was used to refer to
any type of dog. However, over the centuries the
meaning narrowed until it was only used when
discussing dogs used when hunting (such as beagles
and bloodhounds).
 Broadening
Broadening is the process in which the meaning of a word
becomes more generalized over time. In order words, the
word can be used in more contexts than it could
originally. This is sometimes referred to as semantic
generalization.
Semantic broadening is the antonym of semantic narrowing,
as the process that takes place is the opposite. However, like
semantic narrowing, this process often occurs over the
course of many years. Broadening can be caused by both
extra linguistic and linguistic causes, such as a change in
worldview, or linguistic analogy.
Example
Business
The word, 'business' originally was only used to refer
to being busy. However, over the years, the meaning of
this word broadened to refer to any type of work or
job.
Shift In Connotation
Amelioration
 Amelioration is a term that refers to when a word acquires a more
positive meaning over time. It may also be referred to as semantic
amelioration or semantic elevation. Typically this process occurs due to
different extralinguistic reasons, such as cultural and worldview changes
occurring.
 Nice
 The word 'nice' is possibly the most well-known example of
amelioration. In the 1300s, the word originally meant that a person was
foolish or silly. However, by the 1800s, the process of amelioration had
changed this, and the word came to mean that someone was kind and
thoughtful. From this, we can see that amelioration is a process that
can take centuries to occur.
 Pejoration
 Pejoration is a term used to describe the process where a word that
once had a positive meaning acquires a negative one. It is sometimes
also referred to as semantic deterioration. This type of semantic
change usually occurs due to extra linguistic causes. This can include a
word becoming taboo, or being linked with a taboo within the culture.
 Silly
 The word, 'silly', is a common example of pejoration. In Old and
Middle English, the term was used to mean that someone was happy, or
spiritually blessed. However, over the centuries, this changed and by
the 1500s, the word became associated with acting foolishly - as it is
today!
Conclusion :
 "Alright, here's my topic end. We've seen how words
can transform their meanings over time due to cultural
shifts, language contact, metaphor, and more. It's truly
incredible how language evolves alongside our society
and reflects our ever-changing world. By
understanding semantic change, we gain insights into
the rich tapestry of human communication and the
power of words.