In order to develop, a language must adjust to the social, cultural and historical analogies to remain
relevant and useful to its speakers. English has evolved from the unruly barbaric Germanic origins to
its current state in which Old English now seems almost foreign. However it is clear that only
through such changes, which were met with the same resistance and perception of language change
pertaining to ‘loose morals’, that such core foundations have been established in the English
language. The past and present forms of language change is not appreciated or welcomed and
perceived as detrimental to the current standard. Many language users house negativity towards a
shift in their native tongue, specifically those of the older generations who view their heritage
deteriorates with the change in language. However, Swiss Linguists F de Sassure reminds us that
“time changes things- there is no reason why English should escape this universal law”. Roman
Jakobson, Russian Linguist, also contends that “Continual language change is natural and inevitable,
and is due to a combination of psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic factors.”Subsequently today’s
technological shift is merely another leg in the journey of the English language. While “those who
bother with language, bother the wrong way”, Stephen Fry questions such “guardians of language”
who fail to see the benefits of language change as a means to “express themselves with originality
and freshness”.
Historical and social changes: absorbs, adapts and changes to suit the needs of language users
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Discuss historical changes linked to social progression
English and Latin- reasons for change, the emergence of purism that was met with resistance
Linguistically: changes are made, “linguists have tried to argue that all languages are subconsciously
striving towards this natural state.”
In modern context, youth are seen as illiterate and poorly mannered with no appreciation for proper
grammar and standard usage of English. Language blogger Michael Rosen states that “it seems that
every generation fears that people, usually young people, are debasing and corrupting the language.
Yet people still communicate and literature continues to be produced. The truth is that living
language always changes”. Of course these attitudes are explainable, with an upbringing dedicated
to correctness and the notion of tradition and proper usage tied to one’s intelligence and morality.
However, while they may not be able to appreciate this phenomenon, it cannot be denied that such
innovative and flexible use of language by the youth is responsible for the future of the language.
Language is essentially a communication medium and is therefore intrinsically linked with society
and its inhabitants. A community of speakers will change the way they speak in relation to their
social and cultural circumstances. As these are constantly changing, assisted by developments in
technology, communication and transport, the language must develop along with it. “Language
change is inevitable, continuous, universal and multidirectional. Language do not get better or worse
when they change. They just change-“ so delicately put by David Crystal. Although change maybe
appropriate and needed for the ear/ social circumstance, the language itself is not bettered, merely
better suited for the particular context. If we were to take the English of the 1900’s where some may
argue was the best and most proper form of English and use it today, the lengthiness is simply
impractical for today’s fast tracked communicative needs. If language change ceased, society itself
will stop progressing.
 Language: new terminology, ideas, values
 Examples of language change in subsystems
Each period of English is subjected to its own shifts, obstacles and with this comes resistance. Old
English saw a Latin and Scandinavian trend in English, as well as an alphabet shift and change in
word order. Middle English’s French invasion resulted in a large foreign vocabulary and structured
grammar system….. modern changes: short-hands etc….
 Essay to Miss Catherine Jay.
This proves that it is not the destructive youth but linguistically the creative majority who have
adopted to suit the demands of diverse settings as Crystal suggests. Although technology is
welcomed and marketed, it is contradictory that its ideal jargon and method of communication is
frowned upon. The means must correspond with the context, “learn a new style of writing which is
suitable for computers”, phones and social networking where communication is quicker and more
accessible therefore the shorthand mastered by the youth and language users is relatively ideal.
It is clear that historical and social changes have always and will continue to develop the English
language. History itself proves this, as with each invasion and wave of foreign influence, the
language did not yield, but engulfed and embraced all that was relevant. Despite views that
language change and non standard variations are detrimental and attempts of preserving that which
does not idle, the English language continues to grow, adapt, change and evolve however it is
required. Whether the population realises the sheer inevitability of language change or not, it will
happen as society changes. Today’s technological directed speech has reignited the urgent need to
preserve the language as our forefathers. Nonetheless it is but another component in the history of
language development.