Word Formation and Meaning Changes

The video explores the processes of language change, focusing on how new words enter a language and how meanings evolve over time. It covers borrowing, semantic changes like narrowing and broadening, and lexical changes such as derivation and compounding. The video also provides practical advice on applying this knowledge in exams.

What is the primary focus of language change discussed in preparation for paper 3?

• Morphology

• Syntax

• Phonetics

• Lexis

Which two languages have most influenced English through borrowing?

• Spanish and Italian

• French and Latin

• Chinese and Japanese

• German and Dutch

What is the process called when a word's meaning becomes more specific over time?

• Broadening

• Narrowing

• Amelioration

• Pejoration

Which word originally meant 'any kind of food' but now refers specifically to 'food from animal flesh'?

• Bread

• Vegetable

• Fruit

• Meat

What is the term for when a word's meaning becomes more general over time?

• Narrowing

• Amelioration

• Broadening

• Pejoration

The word 'guy' originally referred to which historical figure?

• Guy Fawkes

• Julius Caesar

• William the Conqueror

• Napoleon Bonaparte

What is the process called when a word's meaning becomes more negative over time?

• Broadening

• Pejoration

• Amelioration

• Narrowing

Which word originally meant 'full of awe' but now means 'very bad'?

• Terrific

• Awful

• Awesome

• Amazing

What is the process called when a word's meaning becomes more positive over time?

• Narrowing

• Pejoration

• Amelioration

• Broadening

Which word has evolved from meaning 'inspiring terror' to 'spectacularly good'?

• Terrific

• Horrific

• Dreadful

• Fantastic