Linguistic change refers to the natural evolution of language over time, as words, phrases, grammar, and pronunciation gradually shift and transform. It is a central concept in the field of historical linguistics, which studies how languages change and develop over generations. Linguistic change can be caused by various factors, such as contact with other languages, cultural shifts, technological advances, and social trends. Studying linguistic change is important for understanding the history and development of languages, as well as the relationships between different language families.