Definition & Bedeutung von "internal linguistic change"

What is "internal linguistic change"?

Internal linguistic change refers to the natural evolution of a language that occurs from within, rather than as a result of external influences such as contact with other languages. This type of change can involve shifts in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and meaning over time. Examples include the regular sound changes that affect how words are pronounced or the way grammatical structures develop and change. Internal linguistic change is important for understanding how languages transform over generations and helps linguists trace the history and development of a language.