Bad Language or Language Variation and Change? Interpretation, Context and Social Motivations in English
Bad Language or Language Variation and Change? Interpretation, Context and Social Motivations in English
Author(s): Costin-Valentin OanceaSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Ovidius University Press
Keywords: language change; language variation; bad language; descriptivism; culturally specific swear words.
Summary/Abstract: This paper tackles the role of language variation and change in the history of the English language and advocates for a descriptivist view on language. Instances of language variation should be acknowledged and analysed, instead of being labeled ‘bad language’ or incorrect grammar/pronunciation/spelling. This study starts from the hypothesis that language change represents a progress in the evolution of English and discusses different aspects that have changed from Old English to present-day English. It also focuses on regional and social aspects of English and attempts to account for them.
Journal: Analele Universităţii Ovidius din Constanţa. Seria Filologie
- Issue Year: XXX/2019
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 310-322
- Page Count: 13
- Language: English