It is difficult to predict which words will undergo shift in meaning when examining semantic change. However, it can be possible to examine internal and external factors which may influence neosemy (when we see words in older texts which may not mean the same as they do now.)
External factors such as cultural changes, technological innovation or social convention may affect how a word is used. E.g. the rise of technology has seen developments in words such as 'virus', 'bug', 'windows', 'crashes' and so on.
Changing social ideas can mean that a need for a new term arises such as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender), to replace words that are no longer acceptable.
Cultural changes can result in broadening or bleaching of words as the original word looses significance. 'Guy' originally referred to Guy Fawkes but was then applied to anyone of grotesque (ugly) appearance as guys were burned in effigy on Guy Fawkes Night. This slowly replaced 'fellow' to refer to any man, and this meaning exists alongside the current usage of guys to refer to both males and females.
Internal factors can also affect semantic change. The basic meanings of a word can be linked to some similarity, either a specific attribute or an abstract concept. E.g. an actual virus can be likened to a computer virus. Similarly progress can be used literally to refer to a step forward but can also be used metaphorically to suggest personal growth or movement towards improvement.
Why Does Language Change?
Language changes for several reasons:
- Needs of speakers change
- New technologies
- New products
- New experiences
For example when texting, this was originally called text messaging. Called this because it allowed one person to send a text to another rather than by voice message. As this became more common we now use the shorter for of text to refer to both the message and the process.
Another reason for language change is that no two people have experienced exactly the same language experience. We all know a slightly different set of words and constructions dependent on things such as our job, education, age, region of the country and so on. We develop our vocabulary and pick up new words all the time from different people that we talk to.
Many changes of language begin with teens and young adults. As young people interact with others their language grows to include words, phrases and constructions that are different from those of the older generation. Some words have a shorter life span, others live on to affect our language as a whole. We can also get words from different places e.g. borrowing them from other languages. For example 'sushi' and we also shorten words, combine words and create new words.
16.4.4- Attitudes Towards Lexical and Semantic Change
Simon Heffer comments on some changes in meaning that he does not approve of in The Daily Mail.
He is evidently very upset about some of the language change that has gone on over the years. E.g. He says 'ACCESS is a noun and not a verb. 'Can I access your website?' is wrong: either say 'can I gain access?' or 'can I see?' If the access is literal rather than metaphorical, use 'enter': not 'Can i access the premises?' but 'Can I enter the premises?'
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