ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G03-003

Functional change

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Functional change here concerns a change in what a linguistic form does. Material that remains recognisable need not retain the same role. Conversely, a new use does not establish the disappearance of an earlier one. The link from exaptation therefore requires a historical distinction: functional change is the broader frame, while exaptation is a more specific account of the reuse of existing material. A navigation label must not impose that account in advance. It leads from a present form to evidence about its uses.

Movement of thought

1. Trace a form across several periods. 2. Identify its role in each context. 3. Compare earlier and later uses. 4. Separate persistence from loss of earlier functions. 5. Only then choose an account of the change.

Example

A hypothetical archive shows a particle first indicating location and later also organising conversation. This documents an additional function, not yet exaptation.

Counter-test

One creative occurrence does not demonstrate an established change in the language system.

Scientific use case

Historical corpus research must consider form, date, context and the distribution of uses together.

Effect

The analysis prevents continuity of form from being mistaken for continuity of function.

Resonance

Inherited linguistic material can carry new work without shedding every trace of its past.

Distinction

Distinguish semantic change, reanalysis, grammaticalisation and exaptation; justify any overlap.

Sources