Descriptive Grammars Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Mental Grammar = The internalized rules of language for a speaker Descriptive Grammar = The rules and structures outlined by linguists Ungrammatical Sentence = A sentence that deviates from accepted grammatical rules Dialect = A variety of language characteristic of a particular group

Match the following concepts with their explanations:

Linguistic Competence = The intuitive sense of grammar and language that speakers possess Grammaticality = Conformance to the rules of both mental and descriptive grammar Language Equality = The idea that no language or dialect is superior to another Expressiveness = The capability of any language to convey thoughts similarly

Match the following language characteristics with their descriptions:

Complexity of Grammar = Every grammar is equal in complexity and logic Infinite Set of Sentences = The potential to express endless thoughts in a language Cultural Language Perspective = Languages of undeveloped cultures are not primitive Varied Expression = Different languages can express the same thought in different ways

Match the following statements with their implications:

'Every sentence has a noun phrase subject' = A rule posited in both mental and descriptive grammar 'It can be expressed in any other language' = Languages are capable of translating thoughts across dialects 'No grammar is superior or inferior' = All languages are equally logical and complex 'Rules of grammar may differ from intuitions' = Descriptive grammar may not align with a speaker's mental grammar Signup and view all the answers

Match the following assertions with their meanings:

'Linguists' grammar' = The grammatical rules as described by researchers 'Each language can express any thought' = Universality of expression across languages 'A starred sentence' = An ungrammatical or unacceptable sentence 'Technologically undeveloped cultures' = Civilizations that do not rely on advanced technology Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

Descriptive Grammar = A formal statement of the speakers’ grammar Linguistic Competence = Internalized, unconscious set of rules of a language Mental Grammar = Knowledge of the grammar that exists in the minds of speakers Communication = The process that relies on shared grammar knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Match the figures with their contributions to grammar's understanding:

Dionysius Thrax = Defined grammar as a means to speak or discuss a language Linguists = Describe the grammar underlying language use Speakers = Possess varied but shared grammatical knowledge Grammar = Represents linguistic competence Signup and view all the answers

Match the aspects of grammar with their roles:

Sounds = Basic units of meaning in a language Words = Building blocks of sentences Phrases = Groups of words with meaning Sentences = Combine words and phrases to convey a message Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their descriptions:

Unconscious Rules = Part of every grammar known by speakers Shared Knowledge = Enables successful communication Linguists' Description = Attempts to model speakers’ linguistic capacity Basic Linguistic Knowledge = What speakers know about their language Signup and view all the answers

Match the components of a language with their definitions:

Sound Patterns = Combining sounds to create meaning Words = The smallest units of meaning Rules = Guidelines for forming sentences Grammar = The system governing the structure of a language Signup and view all the answers

Match the examples with their types of grammar:

Syntax = Rules for sentence structure Morphology = Study of word formation Phonetics = Analysis of sounds in language Semantics = Interpretation of meaning Signup and view all the answers

Match the language aspects with their characteristics:

Internalized Grammar = Unconscious knowledge of rules Linguistic Variation = Differences in grammatical knowledge among speakers Communicative Competence = Ability to effectively use language in context Descriptive Linguistics = Focus on how speakers use language Signup and view all the answers

Match the components of linguistic competence with their functions:

Phonology = Study of sound systems in a language Lexicon = Mental dictionary of words and their meanings Syntax = Arrangement of words to create meaningful sentences Pragmatics = Use of language in social contexts Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Understanding Grammar

Grammar encompasses sounds, sound patterns, unit meanings (words), and rules for sentence formation.
Represents linguistic competence, forming an unconscious set of rules internalized by speakers.
Shared knowledge among speakers enables communication, although individual knowledge may vary.

Descriptive Grammar

Descriptive grammar models the internalized grammar of language speakers.
It describes innate linguistic knowledge rather than dictating how to speak.
Successful descriptions truly reflect the linguistic capacity of speakers.

Dionysius Thrax's Definition

Greek grammarian defined grammar as enabling both speaking a language and discussing a language.
Current understanding conflates the mental grammar and descriptive grammar.

Rules and Conformity

Linguistic rules apply to both mental grammar and descriptive models.
A grammatical sentence adheres to both sets of rules; an ungrammatical sentence does not.
Discrepancies between proposed rules and speaker intuitions indicate differences between descriptive grammar and individual mental grammar.

Linguistic Equality

No language or dialect is linguistically superior or inferior; all grammars are equally complex and capable.
Any thought can be expressed across different languages or dialects, using varied means and vocabulary.
Technologically undeveloped cultures possess grammars that are neither primitive nor ill-formed.