I am curious about the progression of the american language. For example why is a couch also a divan or sofa. In the poem the land of counterpane a counterpane is a bedspread.

Are you asking why there are multiple words to describe a single object?

waits for Dominic…

…and welcomes AnnaMay to fluther!

Do you mean to ask about the English language? English has generally picked up words from all over the globe and kinda squeezed them into its vocabulary. Also the age does usually matter. An older person will probably use more proper words and phrases while a younger person may use more modern words and slang. It depends on when and where you were raised I would think.

Yes I am asking why there are multiple words for the same thing. This is my first time on this site so I hope I am responding correctly. I appreciate the second answer. It makes sense as the demographics of the country change so would the language.

As @reacting_acid said, the language evolves over time, for various reasons. One example that I’ve always wondered about is “pocket book” being an older term for “purse”. Why was it ever “pocket book”?

English is a language derived from several other languages, so you have many conflicting roots and stems. Many words created in modern times have been borrowed from other languages because of culture, while some words may be new terms coined by people. Language evolves the same way an individual person’s does. You learn about new words from other people, and eventually they become part of your vocabulary.