The Evolution of Language

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the history and evolution of language. The paper discusses the various factors that influenced the changes in our language. According to the paper, one of the biggest influences on our modern language, was the development of the computer and related technologies. The paper further discusses how words are adopted from other languages to become an accepted part of another tongue.

From the Paper:

"The next huge change in language was also due to technological change, but instead of printed books, it was a great change in our environment. Technological development was accelerated by the development of the personal computer. All this "new stuff" had to have names. Sometimes, a new name might simply be a new meaning for an old word. One such example is the word "bug". In the 1940s the only computers in use were huge machines: Eniac, Univac etc. These machines were made using vacuum tubes, some of which burned out every time the computer was used. People on roller skates would replace the burned out tubes after every use. One day, the machine stopped working, and no burned vacuum tubes could be found. A concerted search of the entire machine turned up a large moth fried on the wires behind one circuit panel. That is how the word "bug" became a problem in computer functioning, both mechanical and digital. (AskOxford.com 2006)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• AskOxford.com . 2006 . http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutwordorigins/bugs?view=uk
• Character Shop on line 2006. Waldos . http://www.character-shop.com/pasgwldo.html
• Heinlein, Robert A. 1942 . Waldo & Magic, Inc., Del Rey; Reissue edition (October 12, 1986)
• Keller, R. (1994). On Language Change: The Invisible Hand in Language. New York: Routledge. Retrieved November 24, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=108388806
• Kind, Irving 2006 . Babel . http://www.cs.tut.fi/tlt/stuff/misc/babel.html

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