A linguist analyzes a dataset with 12,000 words. If 3% are archaic and 25% of those are replaced annually, how many archaic words remain after 2 years?

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:42:18 +0000

**Why Are Archaic Words in Language Declining—and What’s Next?** In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, language evolves faster than ever. A striking example is the steady shift away from archaic words—formal, outdated terms that once populated written and spoken communication. Recent analysis of large linguistic datasets reveals that nearly 3% of words in a 12,000-word corpus qualify as archaic. Though small in percentage, their impact on clarity and accessibility explains why experts track their decline. What makes this trend especially relevant? With growing emphasis on inclusive, precise communication, outdated phrasing can hinder understanding across generations and cultures. A linguist studying a 12,000-word dataset found that if 3% of words are archaic and 25% of those are replaced each year through natural evolution, the remaining archaic words shrink significantly—showing a measurable transformation in everyday language. **How Long-Term Language Shifts Work**