8 Questions
Why might you have trouble understanding another variety of your native language?
Because your variety has different rules/building blocks
What makes some dialects 'standard' and others non-standard?
Social factors
What is the goal of the course mentioned in the text?
To practice working with data sets
What does the text say about every natural language?
Every natural language has its own consistent set of building blocks and rules
Which statement is NOT supported by the text?
Every natural language has inconsistent building blocks and rules
What does the text say about dialects associated with wealthy areas/regions?
They are considered 'standard'
What can you learn as a descriptive grammarian?
The rules of non-standard dialects
What is the purpose of the exercise mentioned in the text?
To practice working with a data set
Study Notes
Language Variation and Understanding
- Difficulty in understanding another variety of your native language may arise due to differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
- A dialect's standardization is often influenced by social, political, and economic factors, with "standard" dialects being associated with power, prestige, and education.
Goals of Language Study
- The goal of the course is to explore the fundamental characteristics of human language, with a focus on language diversity and variation.
Natural Language
- Every natural language is complex, diverse, and has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Unsupported Statement
- The text does not support the idea that some languages are inherently superior to others.
Dialects and Socio-Economic Status
- Dialects associated with wealthy areas or regions are often considered "standard" or more prestigious.
Descriptive Grammar
- As a descriptive grammarian, you can learn to identify and describe the patterns and structures of language in a systematic and objective way.
Language Exercise
- The purpose of the exercise mentioned in the text is to help learners develop a more nuanced understanding of language variation and to appreciate the diversity of human language.
Test your knowledge of language variation and description with this quiz! Learn about the different dialects and variations of your native language and discover the consistent set of building blocks and rules unique to each. Challenge your understanding and expand your linguistic horizons.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
