4.
Scope of the Study
This study will focus on:
• Phonological Changes: Changes in pronunciation
over time.
• Morphological Changes: Alterations in word structure
and formation.
• Syntactic Changes: Evolution in sentence structure and
grammar rules.
• Semantic Changes: Shifts in word meanings.
• Lexical Changes: Expansion of the
vocabulary through borrowing from other languages and the
creation
of new words.
5. Methodology
The project will use a combination of qualitative
and quantitative methods, including:
Textual Analysis: Examining literary works from different
periods of English (e.g., Beowulf from Old English,
Shakespeare's works from Early Modern English, and
contemporary
texts) to trace language changes.
Surveys and Interviews: Collecting data from speakers of
English in different regions to understand contemporary
Use and linguistic shifts.