n-gram graphs representing changes in language use over time: Practice Questions

An n-gram graph representing changes in language use over time for the word "wireless" shows a peak in the early 20th century, a long decline, and a sudden resurgence starting in the 1990s. Which conclusion is most likely?

If an n-gram graph representing changes in language use over time compares the contractions "don't" and "can't" with their full forms "do not" and "cannot" from 1900 to 2020, and the lines for contractions rise sharply while full forms decline, what broader linguistic trend does this represent?

An n-gram graph shows a sudden and significant increase in the frequency of the phrase "viral video" beginning around 2005. Which of the following is the most significant conclusion that can be drawn from this trend, considering its implications for linguistic analysis?

In an n-gram graph, the token "thee" shows a sharp decline between 1650 and 1750. What does this trend suggest about the social distance encoded in pronouns during this period?

If an n-gram graph tracking the progressive passive (e.g., "is being built") follows a classic S-curve from 1770 to 1850, describe what is happening during the slow initial phase of the graph.

Explain why the vertical axis of an n-gram graph is typically represented as a relative frequency percentage (e.g., \( 0.0001\% \)) rather than a raw count of word instances.

The n-gram graph for the term 'wireless internet' shows a significant increase in frequency from the late 1990s, peaking around the mid-2000s, while the term 'ethernet cable' shows a much steadier, lower frequency over the same period, with a slight dip in the 2000s. The term 'dial-up modem' shows a sharp peak in the mid-1990s, followed by a rapid decline.

(a) Analyse how the data presented by these n-gram graphs reflects changes in technology and, consequently, language use over time. Specifically, consider what these trends suggest about the innovation and obsolescence of related terms.

(b) Discuss which theories or concepts of language change (e.g., lexical gaps, functional theory, cultural transmission) could best explain the observed shifts in the usage patterns of these terms, providing justifications for your choices.