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Questions and Answers

Which linguistic feature explains how humans can discuss abstract ideas or future events?

  • Reflexiveness
  • Arbitrariness
  • Semanticity
  • Displacement (correct)

A child says 'goed' instead of 'went.' Which linguistic feature allows them to eventually correct this error by monitoring their own speech?

  • Productivity
  • Feedback (correct)
  • Cultural transmission
  • Interchangeability

Why is the connection between the word 'cat' and an actual cat considered arbitrary?

  • The word's meaning is universally understood across all cultures.
  • The physical characteristics of cats directly influenced the word choice.
  • The word 'cat' has evolved to have multiple meanings over time.
  • The relationship is random and not based on any inherent quality. (correct)

If someone learns to communicate in French after only knowing English, which linguistic feature is primarily being used?

<p>Learnability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the feature of 'cultural transmission' essential for language to persist across generations?

<p>It facilitates the learning and inheritance of linguistic conventions within a social group. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of language enables a poet to create new metaphors and a scientist to coin new terms?

<p>Productivity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A politician makes a promise they don't intend to keep. Which linguistic feature is most relevant to this scenario?

<p>Prevarication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A linguist analyzes the separate sounds (phonemes) that make up words in a language. Which feature of language is being examined?

<p>Discreteness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Namaizamanga village, why was the active voice considered inappropriate?

<p>It was perceived as harsh and disrespectful. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the circumstantial voice in Malagasy, as illustrated by the example provided?

<p>It emphasizes the object or instrument used in the action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of Belgium (Flemish and Walloon) challenge a simplistic view of language and society?

<p>It shows that language is not always a defining feature of a distinct society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes linguistic anthropology from general linguistics?

<p>Linguistic anthropology examines language in its broader cultural and social contexts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the relationship between language and social status in Namaizamanga?

<p>Indirect speech was valued as a marker of sophistication and formality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a Malagasy speaker wanted to soften a request, which voice would they most likely use and why?

<p>Circumstantial voice, to focus on the action's instrument rather than the actor. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the egalitarian values of Namaizamanga, how might the use of active voice be perceived in a conflict situation?

<p>As an aggressive act that disregards social harmony. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the relationship between language and culture, what might be a consequence of language loss within a community?

<p>The disappearance of unique cultural perspectives and social practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Warlpiri differ from English in its verb conjugations?

<p>Warlpiri distinguishes between inclusive and exclusive forms of 'we' and 'they'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'aspect' in linguistics?

<p>The relationship of an action to other actions or events (e.g., ongoing, completed). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the distinction between free and bound morphemes?

<p>The word 'cat' (free) versus the suffix '-ly' in 'quickly' (bound). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Shoshone verbs differ from typical English tense structures?

<p>Shoshone verbs express concepts such as 'resultative' and 'expective' that do not neatly fit into English tense categories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a linguist is studying a language and identifies a sound unit that carries meaning only when attached to a word, what has the linguist discovered?

<p>A bound morpheme. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In English, the plural '-s' has two phonetic forms [-s] and [-z] depending on the preceding sound. Which of the following words takes the [-z] form?

<p>Dogs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of pragmatics in the study of language?

<p>How language is used in social contexts to convey different meanings and social information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of 'voice' in Malagasy illustrate about language?

<p>Different ways of saying the same thing can convey different social meanings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the Warlpiri language example, what is the key difference in how it expresses plurality compared to English?

<p>Warlpiri distinguishes between 'exactly two' and 'three or more', whereas English generally uses one form for 'two or more'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Sociolinguistics?

<p>The rules or practices regarding how language is used in particular social situations to convey particular social information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes how morphemes combine to form words?

<p>The order of morphemes is important because it can affect the clarity and meaning of the word. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between pragmatics and sociolinguistics regarding language use?

<p>They are closely related; pragmatics examines how language is used in social situations to convey social information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that 'un-' means 'not' and is a bound morpheme, which of the following words demonstrates the correct usage of this morpheme?

<p>Unhappy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider pragmatics when studying a language?

<p>To fully understand a language, as much of what it conveys is social information beyond simple facts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of linguistic morphology, what is the primary difference between phonemes and morphemes?

<p>Phonemes are the smallest units of sound, while morphemes are the smallest units of meaning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kuna society, how do specialized speaking styles primarily differ from everyday speech?

<p>They have different pace and tone qualities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of morphemes important for understanding language?

<p>It provides insight into how meaning is constructed and conveyed through the combination of smaller units. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Latin serve in medieval Europe, similar to specialized languages in other cultures?

<p>Conveying a sense of gravity and importance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The use of archaic English forms like 'thee' and 'thou' primarily serves to:

<p>Confer an artistic or religious aura. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Richard Bauman, which of the following is NOT a characteristic that distinguishes specialized speech from everyday talk?

<p>Strict adherence to modern slang. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'paralanguage'?

<p>Vocal features that modify the meaning of speech. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can paralanguage affect the meaning of spoken language?

<p>Through variations in tone, pitch, and speed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a speaker rapidly increases their speaking pace, how might this affect their message?

<p>It can change the meaning of what is being said. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how paralanguage can modify the social meaning of speech?

<p>Using a formal tone to show respect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between phonetics and phonology?

<p>Phonetics deals with the physical production and reception of sounds, while phonology studies how sounds are used to generate words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of phonology considered a 'pre-meaningful stage of language'?

<p>Because phonology is concerned with the sounds of a language and how they combine to form words, without considering the meaning of those words. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of the French language illustrate a key concept in phonology?

<p>It shows how languages adapt foreign sounds to fit their existing phonological systems, sometimes replacing them with similar sounds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a hypothetical language that uses variations in pitch to differentiate between words, a feature not present in English. Which aspect of linguistic study would be MOST relevant to analyzing this feature?

<p>Phonology, as pitch constitutes a distinct sound element within the language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The !Kung language uses click sounds as part of its words. What does this illustrate about the nature of phonology?

<p>Languages can differ significantly in their phonological inventories, using sounds that are not present or used differently in other languages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an English speaker consistently pronounces the Spanish word 'perro' (dog) with a single 'r' sound, instead of the intended trilled 'r', what aspect of language is causing this difficulty?

<p>A difference in phonological inventory and rules between English and Spanish. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of language acquisition, starting from 'sound to meaning to utterance,' align with the anthropological study of language?

<p>It emphasizes the structural components, examining how sounds form words and sentences within a cultural context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A linguist is studying a newly discovered language. They notice that certain sounds change depending on their position within a word and the sounds surrounding them. Which area of linguistics is MOST directly relevant to this observation?

<p>Phonology: the sound system of the language and how sounds are organized and patterned. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Active Voice (Madagascar)

A way to give an order directly, stating who performs the action.

Passive Voice (Madagascar)

A way to give an order, focusing on the action being done to something or someone.

Circumstantial Voice (Madagascar)

A way to give an order, emphasizing the tool or means by which an action is performed.

Indirect Speech

A preference for indirectness and politeness in speech, avoiding direct anger, disagreement, or criticism, common in Namaizamanga village.

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Kabary

A formal and stylized speech style valued in Madagascar.

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Overt Language Qualities

The overt qualities of language that are easy to observe like specific sounds, words and grammar.

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Linguistic Anthropology

A specialized subdiscipline of anthropology that investigates language.

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Scope of Linguistic Anthropology

Investigates more than just sounds and grammar, exploring language's cultural and social contexts.

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Rapid Fading

Communication fades quickly, except for writing.

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Interchangeability

Individuals can send and receive messages.

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Feedback

Users can monitor and correct their own messages.

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Semanticity

Language elements have 'meaning' or reference to the world.

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Arbitrariness

The connection between a signal and its meaning is not 'natural'.

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Discreteness

Language is composed of reusable 'bits'.

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Displacement

Language can refer to things not present in time or space.

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Productivity

Users can create and understand new messages.

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Morpheme

The smallest unit of meaning in a language.

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Free Morpheme

Words that can stand alone and convey meaning.

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Bound Morpheme

Morphemes that only have meaning when attached to other morphemes.

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-s (as a morpheme)

In English, indicates plurality (more than one).

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Un- (as a morpheme)

Prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of."

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Warlpiri Plural Forms

Has two plural forms, -jarra (exactly two) and -patu (three or more).

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-jarra

Suffix added to 'maliki' (dog) in Warlpiri to indicate exactly two dogs.

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-patu

Suffix used in Warlpiri to indicate three or more dogs.

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Competence (in language)

The mastery of language elements (sounds, semantics, grammar) to make intelligible utterances.

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Phonology

The study of sounds used in a language, including how they are combined to form words.

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Sounds (in language)

The most basic units of sound that distinguish one word from another in a language.

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Sound selection

Not all possible human sounds are used; each language selects a subset.

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English-specific sounds

English has sounds like 'th' and 'sh' not found universally, causing difficulty for some speakers

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French pronunciation of 'the'

French replaces 'th' with 'z', pronouncing 'the' as 'ze'.

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Japanese speakers and 'r' vs. 'l'

Japanese speakers often struggle to differentiate between these two sounds in English.

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Click sounds in language

Some languages use click sounds as part of typical word pronunciation.

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Verb Conjugation

Altering verbs based on person (e.g., I, you, he/she/it, we, they).

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Tense

The time element expressed in speech (past, present, future).

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Aspect

How an action relates to other events (e.g., ongoing, completed).

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Pragmatics

How language is practically used in social situations.

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Social Meaning

Socially appropriate and acceptable ways of speaking.

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Sociolinguistics

The study of language in its social and cultural context.

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Language's Broader Role

More than just facts; conveying social information.

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Social consequences of speech

Social meanings and implications behind speech choices.

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Speaking Styles (Ritual)

Distinct speech styles tied to specific rituals, differing from everyday conversation.

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Kuna Speaking Styles

Political, curing, and puberty rite speech styles with unique pace, tone, vocabulary, and formality.

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Unique 'Codes'

Unique linguistic systems, including archaic terms and specialized vocabulary.

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Formulas (Speech)

Conventional phrases like 'Once upon a time' and 'The End' in stories.

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Figurative Language

Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech used to enhance communication.

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Stylistic Alternatives

Rhyme, repetition, and other patterns that add artistic quality to speech.

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Paralanguage

Features like tone, pitch, speed, rhythm, and volume that modify speech meaning.

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Paralanguage Qualities

Vocal features that shape the delivery of spoken language.

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Study Notes

  • Malagasy language has three "voices": active, passive, and circumstantial.
  • The circumstantial voice shifts the sentence's subject to the object used to perform an action and does not have a direct English translation.
  • In Malagasy, the circumstantial voice is preferred in simple declarative sentences and imperatives, especially in egalitarian and non-violent settings like Namaizamanga village.
  • Expressing direct anger or criticism is impolite and considered "harsh" in Malagasy.
  • Differences in language are often seen as defining distinct societies.
  • Linguistic anthropology studies language variations, how they convey social information, maintain social relations, and shape speakers' experiences.

Human Language as a Communication System

  • Humans use a variety of means to communicate, but language has unique characteristics.
  • Key "design features" of language include:
    • Rapid fading
    • Interchangeability
    • Feedback
    • Semanticity
    • Arbitrariness
    • Discreteness
    • Displacement
    • Productivity
    • Reflexiveness
    • Prevarication
    • Learnability
    • Cultural transmission
  • Language relies on symbolism.
  • Symbols are conventional and arbitrary.
  • Human language combines basic linguistic units to produce countless meanings and utterances.
  • Humans can communicate about things that are "not here," abstract concepts, or imaginary entities, significantly impacting social actions and consequences.
  • Language exploits human cognitive abilities like creativity, imagination, and fantasy.

The Structure of Language

  • Languages have finite elements and rules for combining them.
  • Speakers master these to achieve linguistic competence.
  • Studying language involves starting with the smallest components and building up to more complex ones.
  • Phonology studies the sounds used in a language.
  • Languages use different sounds and combine them differently.
  • Phonemes are the smallest bits of linguistic sound that make a difference in meaning.
  • Languages have rules for which sounds can occur together.
  • Sounds can be restricted to certain positions within a syllable or word.
  • Morphology studies the "meaningful bits" of language and how their arrangement creates meaning.
  • Morphemes are the smallest possible bits of meaning.
  • Free morphemes can stand alone.
  • Bound morphemes need to be combined with others.
  • Languages vary morphologically.
  • Grammar or syntax provides rules for combining words and morphemes into intelligible sentences.
  • Word order is a fundamental rule in English.
  • Some languages identify the subject using morphemes ("Warlpiri"), rather than the order
  • Some languages don't provide every grammatical element by default ("Spanish").
  • Languages vary in concepts
  • For example, it can be gender (French, Spanish, German) and articles (English), that can affect the way words are used in sentences.
  • "Person" indicates the speaker/audience, and "Tense" specifies the time element.

Pragmatics or Sociolinguistics

  • Language conveys more than factual information.
  • Pragmatics studies the rules for using language in social situations.
  • Language encodes social information based on the distinctions a society makes.
  • Honorifics are language forms indicating relative social status.

Making Society Through Language: Language and the Construction of Social Reality

  • Language expresses and constructs social relationships, including political, religious, gender, and status relations.
  • Skillful language use is a social resource for interpersonal and intergroup bonds or fractures.
  • Performatives are linguistic utterances that accomplish a transformation in the social world like making someone a knight or married.
  • Illocutionary force is the capacity of performatives to bring about a social outcome, while perlocutionary force has an effect on the audience which can alter their actions.

Language and political power

  • The ability to give good speeches is crucial for leaders in democracies.
  • Oratory was essential.
  • Politics were highly regarded in societies such as the Ilongot.
  • Political speaking involves negotiating interests and statuses with the political system.

Oral literature and specialized language styles

  • Folklore communicates cultural knowledge.
  • Proverbs communicate conventional wisdom.
  • Riddles utilize metaphor for comparisons.
  • Ritual languages associated with specific activities.
  • Paralanguage includes vocal features like tone and rhythm, while Vocalizations are non-linguistic sounds can also have meaning.
  • Kinesics are bodily movements and hand gestures can augment and modify communication - "body language."
  • Proxemics involves the use of personal space.

Language change, loss, and competition

  • Languages are dynamic and multilingual situations.
  • Diglossia: using 2 language in society but for different reasons.
  • Pidgin: a simplified language for limited use.
  • Creole: a pidgin language that has become elaborated into a multi-functional language.
  • Anti-language: unique speech styles that reject the standard.

Language Acquisition and the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis

  • Language is learned and shaped like culture.
  • Linguistic relativity hypothesis (Sapir-Whorf hypothesis): what words sound like, and how they influence us.
  • Speakers of different languages can acquire different understandings.

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