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Semantics: Three More
Key Points . . . Semantic Change
We know that language is always changing. With that comes a change in the meanings of words. Here are some examples of how words undergo change.
(1) Words can become more generalized.
Ex: A Kleenex was once the specific name brand for a tissue. Now people use the word Kleenex in reference to all tissues.
(2) Words can narrow in their scope.
Ex: Meat used to be a reference to all food. Now we think of it in terms of the flesh of an animal.
(3) Words can extend metaphorically.
Ex: The word champagne is often known by many now just as bubbly.
How does this apply to you as a teacher of ELLs? An understanding and awareness of language - in all its variations - will heighten your sensitivity to what your students are experiencing as they are explore the meanings of words they encounter in assigned texts, conversations, etc.
Source: Walt Wolfram. (n.d.). Semantic Change
We know that language is always changing. With that comes a change in the meanings of words. Here are some examples of how words undergo change.
(1) Words can become more generalized.
Ex: A Kleenex was once the specific name brand for a tissue. Now people use the word Kleenex in reference to all tissues.
(2) Words can narrow in their scope.
Ex: Meat used to be a reference to all food. Now we think of it in terms of the flesh of an animal.
(3) Words can extend metaphorically.
Ex: The word champagne is often known by many now just as bubbly.
How does this apply to you as a teacher of ELLs? An understanding and awareness of language - in all its variations - will heighten your sensitivity to what your students are experiencing as they are explore the meanings of words they encounter in assigned texts, conversations, etc.
Source: Walt Wolfram. (n.d.). Semantic Change