Adults and Adolescents Play Key Role in Language Evolution, Challenging Traditional Views

Edited by: Vera Mo

A long-standing theory in linguistics, which posits that children's errors are the primary drivers of language change, is being increasingly challenged by contemporary research. This perspective, dating back to linguist Henry Sweet's 19th-century ideas, suggested that language would remain static without children making mistakes. However, new studies highlight the significant influence of adolescents and adults in shaping how languages evolve.

Recent research emphasizes the crucial role of adult and adolescent language use in linguistic innovation. A comprehensive study led by Elika Bergelson of Harvard University analyzed thousands of hours of audio recordings from children in twelve countries, spanning forty-three languages. This research found that a child's age, clinical factors, and the amount of speech exposure from adults are the most significant predictors of language development. Using machine learning, the analysis indicates that input from adult speakers profoundly impacts language acquisition, questioning the traditional emphasis on children's own errors as the main catalyst for linguistic change.

The global study, which included over 1,000 children, also revealed that socioeconomic status did not correlate with the volume of speech children received, contrary to some prior assumptions. Further evidence comes from an analysis of nearly 7,000 episodes of American children's television shows from 1960 to 2018. This analysis identified persistent biases in the portrayal of male and female characters through language, suggesting that media language patterns, often modeled by adults and adolescents, can reinforce gender stereotypes.

These findings collectively suggest that the social authority, creative expression, and interactive flexibility inherent in the language use of adolescents and adults are key contributors to the emergence and persistence of new linguistic forms. As language is a dynamic and ever-evolving system, understanding these broader social, historical, and interactional processes provides a more comprehensive view of linguistic evolution, encouraging a reevaluation of traditional linguistic paradigms and opening new research avenues.

Sources

  • Phys.org

  • Phys.org

  • PsyPost

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