SEMANTIC DEVELOPMENT OF ENGLISH WORDS AND THE SHIFT FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE MEANINGS

Mahliyo Olimboyeva

doi:10.2024/mf5hpp39

Authors

Mahliyo Olimboyeva Student of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2024/mf5hpp39

Keywords:

pejoration, semantic change, language evolution, historical linguistics, gendered language, sociolinguistics

Abstract

This study investigates pejoration, the process by which words gradually change from having neutral or positive meanings to having negative ones. A crucial component of linguistic development, semantic change is a reflection of the historical, cultural, and social forces that have shaped language. According to the study, terms are derogatory because of societal attitudes, class differences, gender biases, and ideological changes. The study shows how biases and power dynamics are encoded in language.

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