Lesson 6 — Activity 2: Language Changes Over Time
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Lesson 6 — Activity 2: Language Changes over Time
Warm Up
Language does not stay the same. New words are added and other words disappear over time.
In this activity, you will learn why language changes.
Language changes for many reasons. First, it changes because the needs of its speakers change. New technologies, new products, and new experiences require new words to refer to them. Think about texting: originally it was called text messaging, because it allowed one person to send another a text message rather than a voice message by phone. As that became more common, people began using the shorter form "text" to refer to both the message and the process, as in "I just got a text from Sam" or "I'll text Dylan right now."
Think about the words that are part of our language now that didn't exist 25 years ago. Here are some examples:
Another reason for change in language is that people have different language experiences. We all know a slightly different set of words and constructions, depending on our age, job, education level, where we live, etc. We pick up new words and phrases from all the different people we talk with, and these combine to make something new and unlike any other person's particular way of speaking. At the same time, various groups in society use language as a way of marking their group identity, showing who is and isn't a member of the group.
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Many of the changes that occur in language begin with teens and young adults. As young people interact with others their own age, their language grows to include words and phrases that are different from those of the older generation.
Many of the changes that occur in language begin with teens and young adults. As young people interact with others their own age, their language grows to include words and phrases that are different from those of the older generation.
You and your friends use words that other people may not. Slang can be defined as informal words and phrases that are usually used by a particular group of people. Slang is sometimes described as the language of the streets. It tends to be colourful, but sometimes it is more acceptable to some people than to others.
Slang can often act as a "code" that excludes outsiders. Some reasons for the creation of slang are listed below:
- to be different
- to be in a membership
- to connect with certain friends
- to be funny
Teenage slang changes very quickly. For example, the word "homie," which some people use to mean "friend," is a term from the 90s. Such terms as "smashing" or "super" come from the 1930s and 1940s and have a much different meaning than today's definitions.
Digging Deeper!
How many of these slang terms do you know? Take the quiz, and then check your answers below.
1. Does TBR mean:
to be rude
to be resolved
2. Does PAP mean:
- parents are present
- post a picture
3. Does GOAT mean:
- greatest of all time
- a farmyard animal
4. Does OOTD mean:
- one of these days
- outfit of the day