Language Contact and Language Change: A Case Study of Achang Language

Author: Yuan Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-05-01
Features: This book takes Achang as the object of study, exploring the issues of language contact and language evolution. It systematically analyzes the superficial to deep influences and evolution in language contact, using the different manifestations of language contact at different periods as a chain. The book centers on this core theme to carry out related explorations. This paper argues that language contact may lead to three possible outcomes: language influence, language code-switching, and language shift, forming a chain of language change due to "fantastic" contact. Specific facts of Achang language contact demonstrate that these three outcomes on the chain are continuous and causally related. Therefore, a systemic perspective is necessary to connect different stages of the chain in research to understand the overall picture. Language code-switching is not static; it can undergo type transformation with changes in objective conditions. The author focuses on examining the causes and patterns of language shift in the Liang Achang region, classifying language shift types from a family perspective. It is believed that four generations may complete the entire process from language influence to language shift, and it is pointed out that due to the involvement of school education and media, language shift is no longer considered a "slow process" as previously thought.