Language change - is it a good/bad thing...?

Following our discussion of more recent examples of language change, looking at neologisms/popular slang words from 2001, many of which may have already failed to survive the test of time, I would like you to consider the following for your next blog entry:

- Summarise the arguments for/against language change 

- What is your view on language change? 

- What do you think are the most important influences on language change? And why might this be the case?

- Do you think some of the more recent additions to the language will survive? (e.g. peng, bare, butterz, mandem, bbm, cba, lol, i-phone, i-pad, smart phones, fraped ....etc). 

Also, don't forget to read each others! (And comment if it will let you..  :S )

Task 2: Key events in history...

There are various factors which affect the English Language, including:

- History
- Geographical issues
- Social factors
- Politics
- Education
- Technology

Summarise briefly what the impact of the following events had on the English Language:

- The introduction of the printing press

- The introduction of the first dictionaries

Are you surprised at how much the English Language has changed since its origins in the 5th century?

Task 1: Attitudes to the Birmingham Accent

Following your research into people's attitudes and perceptions of the Birmingham accent, write a paragraph which summarises your main findings and include a personal response to this. Consider:

- Were these ideas new to you?
- Were you aware of your own attitudes towards the accent?
- Do you think that having a Birmingham accent puts people at a disadvantage?
- Do you think accents matter? Why/why not?

Welcome to English Language A2!

Throughout your study of English Language at A2, you'll discover lots of people have strong opinions about English, how it's used in different contexts and how it changes.

You will be able to add your comments and ideas to the debates in your blogs, respond to each other's comments and provide links to relevant articles and websites. I will share sites I'm finding useful for our topics, including any items that may come up in the news.