Semantic Change/semantic shift/semantic progression
It is a historical fact that words can be pejorated (develop a more negative connotation), ameliorated (develop a more positive connotation), expanded (to have multiple definitions), specialized (to have fewer than before), and sometimes words can come to mean the exact opposite of what they once did. In many cases, words can die. This is called semantic death. As far as I know every language has undergone some form of semantic change because of things like change in worldview/politics, inclusion, exclusion, technology, ect.
Here are some American English words that have changed over time...
For more on Semantic change in English
Model Languages by Jeffrey Henning http://langmaker.com/ml0104.htm#2c3c
Semantic Change http://www.uni-due.de/SHE/HE_Change_Semantic.htm
Eight Words Which Have Completely Changed Their Meaning Over Time by Adrian Swall writinghood.com/style/grammar/eight-words-which-have-completely-changed-their-meaning-over-time/
The Mad Logophile: Words That Have Changed Their Meaning Pt. 1 http://dailykos.com/story/2009/05/31/735843/-The-Mad-Logophile-Words-That-Have-Changed-Their-Meaning-Part-1
Etymology: How Words Change Over Time by Maria Boomhower http://ezinearticles.com/?-Etymology--How-Words-Change-Over-Time&id=12709
Oxford English Dictionary http://oed.com
Types of Semantic Change http://hom
epage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Silke.Hoeche/Aspects%20of%20Language%20Change/types_of_semantic_change.htm
Here are some American English words that have changed over time...
- Sophisticated at one time meant to corrupt someone/something
- Neck at one time meant a piece of land
- Artificial at one time meant full of artistic skill
- Accent at one time meant to sing
For more on Semantic change in English
Model Languages by Jeffrey Henning http://langmaker.com/ml0104.htm#2c3c
Semantic Change http://www.uni-due.de/SHE/HE_Change_Semantic.htm
Eight Words Which Have Completely Changed Their Meaning Over Time by Adrian Swall writinghood.com/style/grammar/eight-words-which-have-completely-changed-their-meaning-over-time/
The Mad Logophile: Words That Have Changed Their Meaning Pt. 1 http://dailykos.com/story/2009/05/31/735843/-The-Mad-Logophile-Words-That-Have-Changed-Their-Meaning-Part-1
Etymology: How Words Change Over Time by Maria Boomhower http://ezinearticles.com/?-Etymology--How-Words-Change-Over-Time&id=12709
Oxford English Dictionary http://oed.com
Types of Semantic Change http://hom
epage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Silke.Hoeche/Aspects%20of%20Language%20Change/types_of_semantic_change.htm
ASL SEMANTIC CHANGE
ASL changes for the same reasons that any language does. With more inclusivity in our society comes new terms for sexuality and when more equal education for men and women came so did equalization of gender signing. If anything, semantic change usually makes communication easier and this is because with the addition of vocabulary and the expansion or death of older terms comes a better way to discuss the world around us.