What diffusion pattern does Trudgill's critique emphasize?

What diffusion pattern does Trudgill's critique emphasize?

• A. Change may originate in big cities and bypass country areas
• B. Change starts in country areas and moves to cities
• C. Change spreads instantly everywhere
• D. Change is driven by grammar rules only

Answer: (A)

Trudgill’s point is that language change often starts in urban centers and can bypass rural areas, rather than always beginning in the countryside and spreading outward. This reflects his focus on social networks and prestige in cities driving who adopts new forms, leading to uneven diffusion where some communities change while others stay the same. The idea that changes spring from the countryside, spread instantly to all areas, or are driven only by grammar rules misses the social-and-spatial reality he emphasizes.

Trudgill’s point is that language change often starts in urban centers and can bypass rural areas, rather than always beginning in the countryside and spreading outward. This reflects his focus on social networks and prestige in cities driving who adopts new forms, leading to uneven diffusion where some communities change while others stay the same. The idea that changes spring from the countryside, spread instantly to all areas, or are driven only by grammar rules misses the social-and-spatial reality he emphasizes.