English Language Paper 1 Section B - Variation over Time

When was Middle English?

• 1066 - 1450
• 800–1066
• 1600–1750
• 1000–1300

When was Early Modern English?

• 1450 - 1700
• 1700–1900
• 1066–1150
• 1800–2000

When was Late Modern English?

• 1700 - 1900
• 1400–1700
• 1066–1500
• 1900–present

When was Modern English?

• 1900 - present day
• 1200–1500
• 1500–1600
• 1800–1900

What is David Crystal's 'Tide Metaphor'?

• Language change is natural and constantly flowing like the tide
• Language change is destructive
• Language change is a set of strict rules
• Language is fixed like a castle

What is Aitchison's 'Crumbling Castle' metaphor?

• Belief that English was once perfect and is now deteriorating
• Language grows like a tree
• Language is naturally chaotic
• Language is like a tide

What is Fairclough's 'Informalisation Theory'?

• Language is becoming more informal over time
• Language is becoming more formal
• Grammar rules are being invented
• Informality is being eliminated

What does Bex say about language change?

• Genres evolve to reflect society's values
• Change is always negative
• English should resist all borrowing
• Old forms are best

What is Halliday's Functional Theory?

• Language changes to meet the needs of its users
• Language changes due to invasions
• Language changes randomly
• All change is due to prestige

What is the Substratum Theory?

• Language changes due to influence from non-native speakers
• Change happens via technological invention only
• Language change is government-driven
• Grammar rules cause change