Linguistic Purism vs. Language Evolution

Linguistic Purism vs. Language EvolutionCan We Stop Change?

Language is constantly evolving, but not everyone welcomes change. Some societies, institutions, and individuals strive to maintain the ‘purity’ of a language by resisting foreign influences, slang, and structural changes. This effort is known as linguistic purism, and while it aims to preserve a language, history shows that language evolution is inevitable. It can slow down change but it rarely prevents language evolution altogether

What is Linguistic Purism?

Linguistic purism is the belief that a language should be preserved in its ‘pure’ form, free from foreign words, modern slang, and grammatical changes. Purists often view language change as a form of decay, threatening cultural identity and clarity. Many purist movements advocate for reviving older words, creating native alternatives to foreign terms, and regulating language use in media and education.

Examples of Linguistic Purism

• French and the Académie Française – The French government actively fights against English borrowings, promoting native alternatives like “ordinateur” (computer) instead of adopting “computer.”
• Icelandic Language Preservation – Icelandic officials replace foreign words with Icelandic equivalents to keep the language close to its Old Norse roots. For example, “tölva” (computer) was coined instead of adopting an English term.
• German Language Reform – Some Germans resist English influences, preferring “Fernsprecher” over “Telefon” (telephone), though many borrowings persist.
• Hebrew Revival – Modern Hebrew was carefully reconstructed from Biblical Hebrew, with efforts to avoid non-Semitic influences.

Why Language Change is Inevitable

Despite efforts to control language, linguistic evolution is unstoppable due to:

• Cultural Exchange – Trade, migration, and globalization bring languages into contact, leading to natural borrowing.
• Technological Advancements – New inventions require new words, and borrowing is often faster than inventing native alternatives.
• Social Trends – Slang, internet speech, and youth culture shape language in ways that institutions cannot fully control.
• Ease of Communication – People adopt simpler, more practical ways of speaking, often ignoring rigid rules set by purists.

Can We Truly Stop Language Change?

While linguistic purism can slow down change and influence official policies, it rarely prevents language evolution altogether. Even in strict linguistic environments, people tend to adapt, mix languages, and create new expressions. The reality is that language is a living entity, shaped by those who use it.

Conclusion

Linguistic purism is a noble but often futile effort to freeze language in time. While preserving linguistic heritage is important, history shows that languages will continue to evolve, adapt, and borrow from others. Instead of resisting change, embracing linguistic diversity may be a more effective way to honor and sustain language traditions.