Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics

Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics

On the Problem of Lexical Semantic Change

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Jerome Baghana
Yuliya S. Blazhevich
Olga N. Prokhorova
Elena L. Kuksova
Elena S. Yakovleva
Belgorod State University, Belgorod, Russia.
10.22055/rals.2019.14692
Abstract
The article provides an insight into a problem of lexical semantic change. A short historical outline of the development of semantic studies is given. The authors analyze some of the most important stages in the history of the formation of this field. The existing approaches to dealing with form and meaning, namely semasiological and onomasiological ones are discussed. The authors consider the ambiguous character of the notion “semantic change” and analyze the existing alternative definitions that convey the sense of the semantic processes involved. The reasons of semantic change are touched upon. The traditional classification of semantic changes and its characteristics are also considered. The authors use some examples from African varieties of English and French to illustrate some of the semantic processes considered in the article.
Keywords
Semantics
Meaning
Semantic Change
Semantic Shift
Semasiology
Onomasiology
Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics
Volume 10, Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Applied Linguistics Issues (ALI 2019) July 19-20, 2019, Saint Petersburg, Russia
This special issue of the journal includes papers published in the spirit of academic support of the conference and so they did not go through the review process defined by the journal.
July 2019
Pages 320-326