Which fossilization concerns use of language forms that do not express the intended meaning?

• A. Semantic fossilization
• B. Phonological fossilization
• C. Morphological fossilization
• D. Linguistic assimilation

Answer: (A)

Semantic fossilization occurs when learners settle on language forms that no longer express the intended meaning. When the form remains fixed but the meaning it conveys is off or incorrect, that’s a semantic issue—the meaning mismatch is fossilized. For example, a signer might consistently use a sign whose meaning is close to what they want but not exact, leading to unintended interpretations. Phonological fossilization would involve fixed pronunciation problems, not meaning. Morphological fossilization refers to fixed errors in word structure, which may affect form but not necessarily the intended meaning. Linguistic assimilation isn’t a fossilization category focused on meaning.