Language Change

Language change is the study of how English evolves over time, covering shifts in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and orthography. This topic is central to the Pearson A-Level English Language syllabus because it reveals language as a dynamic, living system shaped by social, cultural, and technological forces. You'll explore historical periods like Old English (c.450–1150), Middle English (c.1150–1500), Early Modern English (c.1500–1700), and Late Modern English (1700–present), examining key events such as the Norman Conquest, the Great Vowel Shift, and the invention of the printing press. Understanding language change helps you analyse how English continues to adapt today, from internet slang to global varieties.

Why does this matter? Language change is not random; it follows patterns and is influenced by factors like contact with other languages, social attitudes, and technology. For your A-Level exams, you'll need to evaluate theories of change (e.g., S-curve model, substratum theory) and debates around prescriptivism vs. descriptivism. This topic also connects to wider themes like language and identity, power, and diversity. By mastering language change, you'll be able to critically analyse texts from different eras and argue about the forces driving linguistic evolution.

In the Pearson A-Level, language change appears in Paper 2 (Language Diversity and Change) and Paper 3 (Language in Action). You'll analyse historical texts, discuss attitudes to change, and write discursive essays. The topic also supports your NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) if you choose a language investigation. Overall, it's a fascinating area that shows how English is never static—and why that matters for communication, culture, and society.