How literally is literally changing Three Minute Lectures

Perception of Words
- Words like "web," "stream," "cloud," and "fortnight" can evoke varied images and meanings.
- Language reflects societal changes and evolves over time.
- Example: Hearing "I literally laughed my head off" in conversation may conflict with traditional definitions of "literally."
Understanding Contextual Changes
- Traditional definition of "literally": Indicates an actual occurrence.
- New usage: Emphatic exaggeration, not intended to be taken literally.

Hypothesis Testing
- To analyze the change in meaning of words like "literally," one must gather extensive examples from various contexts.
- Importance of language data sets in linguistic research.
Historical Context
- In the 1990s, the new emphatic use of "literally" was recorded at 18%.
- Question posed: How prevalent is this new meaning today?
Options for Consideration
- Option 1: Emphatic meaning has declined to 0%.
- Option 2: Emphatic meaning remains at 18%.
- Option 3: Emphatic meaning has increased to 41%.

Current Usage Statistics
- New emphatic meaning of "literally" has increased to 41% usage, nearing a dominant status.
Importance of Linguistic Research
- Research findings can influence modern dictionaries and English language textbooks.
- Current definitions will include both traditional and new meanings, reflecting real-world usage.
Applications of Research
- Helps inform English learners about contemporary language use.
- Encouragement to participate in linguistic research at Aston.