0
Fsu2012 Posted 16 years ago
Linguistics Studies
A couple questions
I'm taking an online linguistics class for college. I'm having a rough time with this course and now wished I had it face-to-face.
We just got done talking about morphology trees. What would a tree look like for unsystematically? I tried it but I want to make sure I have it right before I turn it in.
Also, how would linguists argue that language change is best regarded as neither progress nor decay?
We just got done talking about morphology trees. What would a tree look like for unsystematically? I tried it but I want to make sure I have it right before I turn it in.
Also, how would linguists argue that language change is best regarded as neither progress nor decay?
Top answer
Language, like taxes, but unlike stones, leaves, kidneys, and peacock feathers, does not change its physical state. Therefore it cannot be said to progress or decay in a literal sense. A metaphorical application of the terms, on the other hand, would imply a system of measurement by which one might say, for example, "This language has changed its state since last year; and that change is a deterioration".
- Language, like taxes, but unlike stones, leaves, kidneys, and peacock feathers, does not change its physical state.
- Therefore it cannot be said to progress or decay in a literal sense.
- A metaphorical application of the terms, on the other hand, would imply a system of measurement by which one might say, for example, "This language has changed its state since last year; and that change is a deterioration".
- Where would you find such a system of measurement?
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
Language, like taxes, but unlike stones, leaves, kidneys, and peacock feathers, does not change its physical state. Therefore it cannot be said to progress or decay in a literal sense.
A metaphorical application of the terms, on the other hand, would imply a system of measurement by which one might say, for example, "This language has changed its state since last year; and that change is
A metaphorical application of the terms, on the other hand, would imply a system of measurement by which one might say, for example, "This language has changed its state since last year; and that change is
00
I think that a good metaphor for language change is the kaleidoscope. The same number of beads are always there, but as you turn it slowly a few beads move and the picture changes slightly. If you compare position 1 with position 2 they are similar and if you compare position 2 with position 3 they are similar. Positions 1 and 3 are quite similar but do not have so much in common with each other
0
Related Questions