Bilingualism and Multilingualism Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What implication arises from the study by Galante and Thomson regarding non-native speech?

Native-like speech is essential for understanding.

Non-native speakers struggle with factual accuracy.

Communication does not require native-like accuracy. (correct)

Accent influences the factual content of speech.

Which option best represents the literal translation of the word 'plurilingualism'?

Language of many states.

State of many languages. (correct)

None of the given options.

Many languages state.

Which statement least aligns with the idea that a person's language evolves based on their circumstances?

Being immersed in a target language location promotes language acquisition.

Lack of interest makes language learning unattainable.

Language growth is static if one does not travel. (correct)

Language development is influenced by personal experiences and contexts.

Who argues that the concept of language ownership is not exclusive to native speakers?

Flores 2013. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of subtractive bilingualism?

The mother tongue is gradually lost. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is less likely to reflect the diverse experiences of individuals who speak multiple languages?

Third language. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements would most likely be a misconception about language evolution?

Static environments ensure stagnant language skills. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes balanced bilingualism from dominant bilingualism?

Balanced bilinguals speak both languages equally well. Signup and view all the answers

What is simultaneous bilingualism?

Learning two languages from birth due to parental language choices. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of plurilingualism emphasize in terms of language proficiency?

Knowledge of multiple languages enhances cognitive skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge of sequential bilingualism?

The new language may become dominant. Signup and view all the answers

Which misconception about non-native speakers might affect their perceived accuracy?

All non-native speakers have low communication skills. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dynamic Systems Theory, how is language acquisition described?

Forgetting is a crucial component of the acquisition process. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines multilingualism?

Speaking more than two languages fluently. Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of languages vary, as highlighted in the content?

Different languages have unique ordering of adjectives and nouns. Signup and view all the answers

What effect might subtractive bilingualism have on communication within families?

Children may struggle to communicate with grandparents. Signup and view all the answers

How does language primarily impact society?

It establishes peace and order. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the inappropriate use of language?

It can destruct society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects how society influences language?

Society provides guidelines on appropriate language use. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does social change have with language?

Social changes lead to changes in language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the statement 'language incorporates social values'?

Societal beliefs and norms shape the way language is used. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can lead to the evolution of language?

Changes in societal norms and values. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the relationship between language and society?

To navigate social interactions effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'language must follow the conformity governing society' suggest?

Language should align with societal standards to minimize conflict. Signup and view all the answers

How is sociolinguistics best defined?

The scientific study of language usage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in sociolinguistics?

The study of the sounds in an articulated language Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about language is incorrect?

All word meanings are the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for studying how socio-cultural norms shape language use?

Sociolinguistics Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is generally not considered to affect language use?

Linguistic determinism Signup and view all the answers

What role does gender play in sociolinguistics?

It is viewed as a consistent variable in speech. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these aspects is NOT typically a focus of sociolinguistic studies?

The evolution of language over centuries Signup and view all the answers

In sociolinguistics, mutual intelligibility refers to:

The capability of speakers of different dialects to understand each other Signup and view all the answers

What is incremental change in language?

The formation of new vocabulary to describe new concepts. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of language change involves the abandonment of certain words?

Decremental Change Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes replacement change in language?

The coexistence of different words or structures for the same meaning. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of studying language change considers social factors over time?

Real-time analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that drives linguistic change according to social status?

Prestige from higher social classes influences language. Signup and view all the answers

In apparent-time studies, how is language change analyzed?

By comparing the speech of people of different ages. Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen to newer language forms according to the studies of age groups?

Younger speakers generally use more of the newer forms. Signup and view all the answers

What does decremental change often influence in a modern context?

The extinction of older occupations and their terminology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Subtractive Bilingualism

New language perceived as more prestigious, causing gradual loss of mother tongue.
Children may lose ability to communicate with relatives due to diminished use of their original language.

Types of Bilingualism by Fluency

Balanced Bilingualism: Equal fluency in two languages; maintains ties with original community while using the new language.
Dominant Bilingualism: Greater fluency in one language over the other.

Dynamic Systems Theory

Language acquisition involves both acquisition and forgetting.
"Use it or lose it" principle applies to language retention.

Types of Bilingualism by Age of Acquisition

Simultaneous Bilingualism: Exposure to two languages from birth, as parents speak different languages.
Sequential Bilingualism: Immersion in a new language after migration, potentially leading to dominance of the new language over the mother tongue.

Multilingualism

Ability to speak more than two languages fluently, includes heritage languages.

Language Structure and Phonetic Spelling

Each language has unique structures; English adjectives precede nouns, while Spanish adjectives follow.
Non-native accents can still convey factual accuracy in communication.

Language Acquisition Insights

Native-like speech not essential for effective communication.
Phonetic ability may not significantly impact one's speaking competence.

Language and Society

Language functions as a communication tool, shaping social order, power dynamics, and achieving aspirations.
Social changes influence language; societal norms dictate what is deemed appropriate or offensive.
Language evolves with societal shifts, making it dynamic and context-dependent.

Sociolinguistics and Language Use

Understanding the interplay between language and social factors is crucial.
Key influencing factors on language include social class, age, education, and gender.

Language Changes

Incremental Change: New vocabulary forms emerge (e.g., "America").
Decremental Change: Disuse of words tied to obsolete practices (e.g., hunting terminology).
Replacement Change: Existing words coexist with newer forms (e.g., "roofs" vs "rooves").

Spread of Language Change

Language change occurs between groups and styles, assessed through apparent-time (age comparison) and real-time studies.

Reasons for Language Change

Social Status: Higher status individuals introduce prestigious changes.
Language evolves as societal contexts and demographics shift over time.

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Description

This quiz explores various types and theories of bilingualism and multilingualism. It covers the implications of language prestige, fluency levels, and age of acquisition, as well as the dynamic systems involved in language retention. Test your understanding of these important linguistic concepts.