Methodology

 For my language investigation, I will collect data from a set of case studies (two stories – one will be a Grimm fairy tale while the other will be a recent Disney story). As my investigation also involves gathering data from a set of different time periods, the design of my study may also be longitudinal. I will use the Brothers Grimm’s version of Rapunzel as well as Disney’s version to compare the differences and to see how language has changed and adapted over time. As language change can be proven from the set of data I collect, I will be taken on a positivist approach for my investigation.

 I am aware of experimenter-expectancy effects as I may look for and expect certain aspects and changes in my data from my own assumptions which can affect my results. My assumption is that in my results and framework analysis I will find examples of lexical change through the processes of compounding, blending and perhaps borrowing. I also assume there will be evidence showing semantic and grammatical change throughout these two pieces of text. In terms of grammar, meaning the structure of language, I will look for significant changes in word order and syntax between the two stories. Regarding semantics which involves the meaning of words, I will look for how the meanings of particular words may have become more positive or negative over time.

 As I will be collecting data in the public domain, I will make references to the material I select. I will also make sure the material I use for my study will not be leading or biased in any way. Furthermore the type of method I use to carry out my investigation will be part of a framework analysis. I will aim to focus on the use of the frameworks: lexis, semantic and grammar when analysing the differences between the two texts in order to portray the changes of language over time. In terms of gathering the data, I will find the appropriate material I need for this study on the internet.