Diachronic Mechanisms
Comparative historical linguistics studies the evolutions languages and takes a diachronic view of the lexicon. The evolution of lexicons in different languages occurs through parallel mechanisms. Over time historical forces work to shape the lexicon, making it simpler to acquire and often creating an illusion of great regularity in language.
- Phonological Assimilation - modification of loan words to better fit a new language's sound structure. If a loan word is too foreign sounding inflection or derivation rules may not be able to transform it.
- Analogy - new words undergo inflection and derivation analogous to that of words with a similar sound structure.
- Emphasis - words are modified for effect of emphasis.
- Metaphor - a form of semantic extension.
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