Language Change Terms Quiz

What theory suggests that language determines or shapes our thoughts?

• Linguistic relativity

• Descriptivism

• Determinism

• Euphemism

What is an indirect form of language to avoid mentioning something unpleasant?

• Euphemism

• Dysphemism

• Borrowing

• Blending

Which theory states that language changes because society changes?

• Functional theory - Hockett

• Linguistic relativity

• Determinism

• Descriptivism

What idea suggests that language shapes our thinking but doesn’t control it completely?

• Determinism

• Linguistic relativity

• Functional theory - Hockett

• Amelioration

What is the term used to object to the idea of consciously changing language because it is considered unfair to different groups?

• Prescriptivism

• Political correctness

• Random fluctuation theory

• Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

Which approach to language seeks to impose particular rules for language use in order to maintain a specific standard form?

• Reflectionism

• Prescriptivism

• Semantic reclamation

• S-curve – Chen

Which theory states that language reflects the society which produces it?

• Reflectionism

• Prescriptivism

• Political correctness

• S-curve – Chen

Which hypothesis suggests that language shapes our perception of reality?

• Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

• Reflectionism

• Prescriptivism

• Random fluctuation theory

What is the term for the gradual acceptance and stabilization of a new word or form?

• S-curve – Chen

• Narrowing

• Pejoration

• Semantic reclamation

Which theory explains how changes spread like ripples in water?

• A) Substratum theory

• B) Tide metaphor

• C) Standardization

• D) Wave theory