Chapter 7 Changes in Word Meaning词义的演变
Vocabulary is the most unstable element of a language as it is undergoing constant changes both in form and content. Comparatively the content is even more unstable than the form.
Types of Changes词义变化的种类（extension,narrowing,degradation,elevation and transfer）
Extension or generalization词义的扩大:is the name given to the widening of meaning which some words undergo.[companion (old)one who shares bread (ex)a company]
Narrowing or specialization词义的缩小：is the opposite of widening meaning. When a common words is turned into a proper noun, the meaning is narrowed. [meat (old)food (na)flesh of animals]
Elevation or amelioration of meaning词义的升华: the process by which words rise from humble（粗陋的） beginnings to positions of importance. [knight (old)servant (el)rank below baronet从男爵]
Degeneration or pejoration词义的贬降:A process whereby words of good origin fall into ill reputation or no-affective words come to used in derogatory sense.[silly (old)happy (de)foolish]
Transfer词义的转移:Words which were used to designate指明 one thing but later changed to mean something else have experienced the process of semantic transfer.（140）
Causes of Semantic Change词义变化的原因
Extra-linguistic factors 141
1 Historical reason 2 Class reason (elevation or degradation) 3 Psychological reason
Linguistic factors：the change of meaning may be caused by internal factors with in the language system.
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