Word Frequency And Lexical Diffusion

This study of word frequency effects on sound change provides a resolution of the Neogrammarian controversy, which for over a century has pitted phonetically exceptionless change against lexically gradual change. Combining evidence from historical linguistics, sociology and psycholinguistics, Betty S. Phillips discusses the implications for phonology and historical linguistics of certain types of change affecting the most frequent words first and other types of change affecting the least frequent words first.

This study of word frequency effects on the lexical diffusion of sound change, with differences found between changes that affect the most frequent words first and those that affect the least frequent words first, supporting an interactive, usage-based model of phonology.

BETTY S. PHILLIPS is a Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Indiana State University.