A linguist compares lexical change using a model that assigns a similarity score between modern and 150-year-old texts. The similarity score drops by 0.8% per decade. If the initial score was 92%, what is the score after 150 years?

Mon, 04 May 2026 07:33:26 +0000

**Why Language Changes—and How Experts Measure That Shift** Ever wonder why old words feel strange today? Or how modern speech emerged from language centuries ago? A growing focus on lexical change reveals fascinating patterns in how vocabulary evolves over time. Linguists now use advanced models to compare language across generations, revealing a consistent decline in similarity between texts from different eras. Recent research confirms a compelling trend: the similarity score between modern and texts from 150 years ago drops by 0.8% per decade. With an initial score of 92%, this model shows what real-world language shifts predict—bringing fresh insight into how words transform across time. **Why A Linguist Compares Lexical Change Across the Ages** The study of how a language’s vocabulary shifts over centuries isn’t new, but modern computational models now make it more precise than ever. By analyzing vast textual archives, experts map lexical similarity scores across decades, discovering surprisingly steady declines. This method reveals patterns that reflect cultural, technological, and social transformation. As society evolves, so does the language, capturing shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and communication. This research matters now more than ever—heart of digital content discovery lies in helping people understand evolving language through clear, trusted insights.