Reasons for Language Change

• Change that is initiated by those in a dominant social position of power and authority. Often stating the 'standard' or 'correct' forms. This may link to the introduction of Dr. Johnson's dictionary which was widely popular.
• If the users of a language need neologisms for new inventions or changes in society. For example with technology came words such as; virus, windows, bugs and crash etc... Also the term LGBT to replace words which are no longer acceptable.
• Cultural changes can result in the broadening of a word as the original may have lost significance. For example, 'guy' originally referred to Guy Fawkes. Now guy can refer to any male or female person.
• Processes involved with neosemy; generalisation, broadening, narrowing, amelioration, pejoration, weakening and polysemy.
• As language is passed down through generations and individuals often speak differently, children may be taught different forms of English to others.