A Level Language Change: The Inkhorn Controversy

This presentation contains an introduction to the controversy over 'inkhorn words' which originated in the 1500s. Whilst this slightly pre-dates the new specification start date for the language change material of 1600, it's important context and has been mentioned in AQA materials.

The PowerPoint contains:
- An easy-to-understand introduction to the idea of 'inkhorn words' and why they arose
- Some examples of inkhorn words which didn't last
- A timed task for students to think about why there would be resistance to some of these words
- A look at the arguments for and against
- A sample text extract on the topic from the mid-1500s, for students to read and questions for them to answer
- The question of national identity and language
- Some inkhorn words which are still in use, for students to read and use
- Links between the Inkhorn Controversy and the Prescriptivist and Descriptivist schools of thought which followed (with a snippet from a modern Guardian headline which illustrates that controversy over language change is still current).