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diachronic linguistics

the study of languages as they change over time, as practiced in philology or comparative linguistics. This is often contrasted with synchronic linguistics, the study of languages or (more often) a particular language at a single point in time, with no reference to historical or developmental factors. The synchronic approach to language is the basis of linguistic structuralism. [introduced by Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913)]

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Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

clerical aptitude

clerical aptitude

1. the ability to learn specific skills required for office work, such as perceptual speed (e.g., comparing names or numbers), speed in typing, error location, and vocabulary.

2. the measure of individual abilities in the following areas: vocabulary (understanding words and ideas), arithmetic (handling figures easily and accurately), and checking (recognizing similarities and differences rapidly).