Theories of Language Change
Functional theory suggests language changes because we need it to. When old words become obsolete (like "vinyl"), new ones appear to fill the gap (like "Bluetooth"). It's basically language keeping up with our lives.
Random fluctuation shows that language change isn't always logical. Charles Hockett explained how the gaming term "owned" (meaning beaten) actually came from a typo of "owned" because P and O are close on keyboards. This process has two stages: innovation (creating something new) and diffusion (spreading it around).
The lexical gap theory helps predict future language changes by looking at patterns. For example, we have "pip," "pop," and "pup," so "pep" (meaning lively) could easily emerge to fill the gap.
Bailey's wave model compares language change to ripples in water - new language starts at one point and spreads outward, getting weaker as it travels. However, social media has made this model less relevant since changes can now spread instantly across huge distances.
Key insight: Language change happens through both logical needs and random accidents, then spreads through social networks.
