The Evolution of Language

The Evolution of Language

ENG/380

07/13/2015

Pamela Ellis

        Language is defined as “the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way” (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Language, both spoken, written and the way that humans communicate has changed throughout the years. These changes can be attributed to the movement of people, changing cultures and new technology. This short essay will discuss some of these changes, as well as discuss a bit about the English language and how it has spread as an international language.

Word Changes Over Time

        Morphological changes occur when new words are added to a language or the meaning of an existing word is changed (Levine & Rowe, 2009). A perfect example of a morphological change can be seen in the word text. This particular word has several different definitions. Years before advancements in cellular technology this word simply meant a written work, a piece of writing, a textbook or a passage found within a book. However, as time has passed and technology has changed, the word took on a new meaning. Today when the word text is mentioned it immediately conjures up mental images of cellular devices and electronic messages. Text is no longer associated with books and written works. Instead, text is used as a verb. When you want to send a message to someone, you send him or her a text. When you are messaging someone on your phone, you are texting. This is just one example of how language has evolved over the years.

The Spread of English

        In chapter 12 of A Concise Introduction to Linguistics, the authors begin to explain the spread of English. According to Levine and Rowe, “English is declining in terms of the number of people who speak it as a first language” (2009). This is due to the increase in other languages. However, English may be declining as a primary language but it is continually increasing as a secondary language. “Some estimates predict that by about 2017 as many as three billion people (about forty-three percent of the estimated world population at the time) will speak English as a native language, a second language, or a foreign language” (Levine & Rowe, 2009). There are some counties who actually force their citizens to learn to speak the English language. “Those who do not speak or read English are relegated to a lower social status in the world because they do not have access to much of the information that is necessary to succeed economically in the twenty-first century” (Levine & Rowe, 2009).

The spread of the English language can be tracked all the way back to the British Empire expansion. After the British Empire there came the popularity of England. England was known for its industry and technological advances, making English a popular language to learn. The United States followed suit in the popularity contest. They are seen as a powerful country with an interesting culture. All of these things helped spread the popularity of the English language and the desire and need to learn the language.