Grammar & Lexis

Grammar & Lexis

18th Century Diary

The language that has been used in this 18th century diary is noticeably different to the use of language and structure of sentences in the 21st century. This is because language's semantic change has shifted meanings and structures from influences such as colonization, language and power, gender and also technology. Language changing is possibly ongoing as new conflicts and technology will change the way users of language speak. During this particular diary entry, the sentence structure is different, "At 7 came a coach from the Strand", the active voice would still be active int he 21st century, however it would be changed in the way that the verb is before the subject. Nowadays, the subject tends to be before the verb, creating an alternative sentence such as "The coach came at 7 from the Strand".

Fashion has also changed the English language, as there are also lists of clothing garments that are no longer in fashion, therefore 21st century generations may not understand or know what these nouns are. "scarlet frock coat and drab hat and white trousers as coachman", where "scarlet frock coat" would not necessarily be understood. Frock coats are no longer worn, therefore the use of this word has decreased. The change of hypernyms and hyponyms within fashion have changed drastically, and even describing the frock coat as the colour scarlet is an adjective that doesn't occur within the English language as much as describing a deep blue such as navy. A "drab hat" would possibly be described as a khaki cap or bucket hat in terms of modern fashion.