The Role Of Spoken Language In Language Change: Evidence From English And Uzbek

Abstract

Language change is a continuous and inevitable process shaped by the communicative practices of its speakers. This article explores the central role of spoken language in linguistic change through a comparative analysis of English and Uzbek. Drawing on sociolinguistic theory, usage-based models, and grammaticalization frameworks, the study demonstrates that everyday spoken interaction functions as a primary source of phonological, grammatical, lexical, and pragmatic innovation. While written language tends to preserve standardized norms, spoken language provides a dynamic environment in which new forms emerge, spread, and gradually become conventionalized. The comparative perspective reveals both universal mechanisms of change driven by speech economy, frequency of use, and interactional needs, as well as language-specific patterns shaped by typological differences and socio-historical contexts.  The findings highlight the importance of spoken data for understanding ongoing processes of linguistic evolution in both English and Uzbek.