This topic is concerned with changes to the English Language over time. In different specifications, students are asked to compare and analyse texts from different periods, to trace the usage of a word or phrase, and/or to discuss how and why language changes, and how people react to those changes.
Studying change is therefore concerned with three main questions:
- How has the English language changed over its history?
This is largely an AO1 concern, dealing with the particulars of usage in terms of lexis, semantics, grammar and (possibly) phonology. Students may be exploring broad systemic changes (e.g. in the grammatical system) and/or they may be expected to identify different types of word formation or meaning change.
- Why does language change?
This area requires some knowledge of theories and concepts, as well as a broad appreciation of the sweep of history. A lot of this material is likely to be AO3 knowledge, concerned with the context of the usage, but the understanding of theory can also come in here and be rewarded under AO2.
- What attitudes are displayed to change?
This is also an AO2/AO3 crossover area, and students are likely to be expected to be able to talk about the main approaches people have towards changes in language, and the probable contexts for those opinions.
