Factors and Forms of Semantic Change in Urdu Language: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Semantic change, a core area of diachronic linguistics, explores the dynamic and continuous evolution of word meanings over time. This paper provides a comprehensive analytical study of this phenomenon within the Urdu language, arguing that changes in meaning are not arbitrary but are governed by a complex interplay of linguistic, historical, and cognitive factors. The study begins by establishing a theoretical framework for semantic change, drawing on foundational concepts from both Western and Urdu linguistic traditions. It then systematically categorizes and examines the primary forms or patterns of semantic change, including narrowing (specialization), broadening (generalization), transfer of meaning via metaphor and metonymy, and evaluative shifts such as amelioration and pejoration. Furthermore, the article delves into the diverse factors that trigger these semantic shifts. It analyzes the role of internal linguistic causes and the profound impact of language contact, particularly with Persian, Arabic, and English. The research concludes that semantic change in Urdu is a vital sign of its vitality and adaptability, serving as a linguistic mirror that reflects the cultural, intellectual, and social evolution of its speech community. The study underscores that analyzing these changes offers deep insights not only into the language's historical trajectory but also into the collective consciousness of its speakers.