The Relationship Between English Etymology and Semantic Change
Journal: Journal of Higher Education Research DOI: 10.32629/jher.v5i4.2655
Abstract
This paper explores the intricate relationship between English etymology and semantic change, emphasizing how etymology provides a historical and cultural foundation for the evolution of word meanings. It discusses various forms of semantic change, including broadening, narrowing, elevation, pejoration, and shifts, and how these changes are influenced by social, cultural, and technological developments. The paper examines specific case studies such as irregular verbs, idioms, and specialized vocabulary in fields like medicine and law, to illustrate how etymology affects semantic evolution and vice versa. The analysis reveals that etymology and semantic change are deeply interconnected, reflecting the dynamic and adaptive nature of language. As globalization continues, these processes will further enrich the English language, offering valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of linguistic expression.
Keywords
etymology, semantic change, English language, vocabulary evolution, cross-cultural influence, language contact, word meaning, language adaptation, globalization
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[2] Han Jing. An Exploration of the Etymology of English Vocabulary [J]. Journal of Yanbian Education College, 2021, 35 (06): 168-170+174.
[3] Lan Rimo. Exploring the Cultivation of High School Students' Cultural Confidence Based on English Etymology Teaching Method [J]. Teacher Education Forum, 2024, 37 (04): 60-62.
[4] Zhang Hongguo, Wu Yuan. The Semantic Evolution and Grammaticalization of the Marginal Function Word "Granted" in English [J]. Journal of Tonghua Normal University, 2024, 45 (01): 66-71.
[5] Zhang Hongguo, Wu Yuan. The Semantic Evolution and Grammaticalization of the Marginal Function Word "Given" in English: A Case Study [J]. Journal of Tonghua Normal University, 2023, 44 (03): 79-85.
[6] Dai Zhijun. A Study on the Verbs of Speaking Patterns in English Ending with "-er" from the Perspective of Etymology [J]. Journal of Yichun University, 2022, 44 (11): 84-88.
[7] Wang Shujie, Xu Yuting. Gender, Case, and Number of English Nouns from the Perspective of Etymology [J]. Modern English, 2022, (19): 110-113.
[8] Zheng Ying, Luo Siming. Etymological Study of English Irregular Verbs [J]. Overseas English, 2022, (16): 69-71.
[9] Chen Xiuchun. A Review of the Types and Causes of Semantic Evolution in English Vocabulary [J]. Journal of Kaifeng Cultural and Arts Vocational College, 2022, 42 (08): 43-45.
[10] Dong Aihua. An Analysis of the Etymological Basis of English Idioms [J]. Overseas English, 2022, (14): 39-40+49.
[11] Lü Songlin. Semantic Evolution of English from the Perspective of Prototype Theory [J]. Frontier Economy and Culture, 2010, (08): 78-79.
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[13] Wang Rong. A Brief Analysis of the Impact of Social Environmental Changes on the Evolution of New English Words — A Study on the Influence of Information Society Evolution on New English Words [J]. Campus English, 2023, (38): 187-189.
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