The American English language seems full of homophones. Peek, peak, pique is one example; to, too, two is another. To me, this makes the language difficult to learn–it comes from a lot of roots. Language use, now, seems to be shifting (as it should) and evolving. Now the language includes new homophones such as tweet and Tweet–or is that a homonym?
Will American English evolve into a language that doesn’t use homophones, or the -nym words? Will American English evolve into ‘code’ words (technology based, known by users–LOL, ROFLMAO, etc.) portmanteau words, ‘coined’ words whose meanings are accepted over time? All of those types of words–including, but not limited, to, (that’s my legal disclaimer) borrowed words from another Indo-European language–or directly from the Indic Sanscrit.
Just thoughts I have to while away my time. (or is that 'wile?)
Language is organic, hence it evolves. The word “hussy” used to mean housewife. The meaning is retained in the word “husband” (hussyband). I think the homonyms will continue to persist, even in our computerized abbreviations of words. Example loll and LOL.
I actually read something to the contrary that says that homophones and other linguistic re-use cases are a good thing, making the language more efficient.
I googled a bit and found an article on teh subject: link
