Language Variation and Dialectology
70 Questions
15 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of the r pronunciation in certain areas?

  • The r is always pronounced
  • The r is never pronounced
  • The r is pronounced only in urban areas
  • The r pronunciation varies by region (correct)
  • In which region did the loss of the r pronunciation likely begin?

  • Northern England
  • South-eastern England (correct)
  • Scotland
  • Western England
  • What historical period is associated with the beginning of the r pronunciation loss?

  • 1800s
  • 1600s
  • 1700s (correct)
  • 1900s
  • How many areas are identified where the r is pronounced distinctly, according to the content?

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

    What effect did the loss of the r pronunciation have on regional dialects?

    <p>It created wedges between r pronouncing areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often the first stage in the process leading to language extinction?

    <p>Language shift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following languages has been subject to revitalization efforts despite its near extinction?

    <p>Irish (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically causes gradual language death?

    <p>Changes in customs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT typically associated with sudden language extinction?

    <p>Gradual language death (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What leads to a cycle of attrition in language loss?

    <p>Decreased transmission of language (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is claimed about dialects in the context of language?

    <p>Everyone speaks a dialect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how social background influences language?

    <p>It influences pronunciation and vocabulary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key factor in determining the variety of English one speaks?

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

    What common outcome occurs due to loss and forgetting of a language over time?

    <p>Obsolescence of vocabulary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'language shift' refer to?

    <p>Adoption of an entirely new language by a community (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a pidgin language?

    <p>It serves specific transactional functions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term 'lexifier' in the context of pidgin languages?

    <p>A language that contributes most of the vocabulary. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What results in the formation of a creole from a pidgin?

    <p>The pidgin becomes the first language of a community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between a pidgin and a creole?

    <p>Creoles can serve any communicative function, whereas pidgins cannot. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the functionality of a stable pidgin?

    <p>A stable pidgin is generally limited in its use cases. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a pidgin when it undergoes creolization?

    <p>It becomes the first language for some speakers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical example illustrates the creation of pidgin languages?

    <p>Interactions between enslaved Africans and Europeans on plantations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors contribute to a pidgin's stability over time?

    <p>Consistent use and transmission among speakers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of pidgin languages, what does 'expanded pidgin' refer to?

    <p>A pidgin that has developed more complexity and broader functionality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of the accommodation process in speech?

    <p>To adapt speech to align more with interlocutors' speech (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one characteristic of koinéization in terms of linguistic features?

    <p>Phonologically and lexically simple features are adopted more often (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the vowel sounds used by children in a koiné setting, as demonstrated by Kerswill and Williams in Milton Keynes?

    <p>They reflect a blend of regional and mainstream variants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does dialect levelling primarily function in a continuous dialect contact situation?

    <p>By simplifying or reducing variability between the dialects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between dialect levelling and koinéization?

    <p>Dialects must level before forming a koiné, which follows as a result (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key outcome of the dialect levelling process?

    <p>Greater homogeneity and similarity among dialects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the nature of dialect levelling?

    <p>It eliminates marked or distinct variants without mixing forms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one characteristic of the way people in the south of England speak compared to those in the north?

    <p>They tend to omit auxiliary verbs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about nonstandard dialects is true?

    <p>They are generally considered less prestigious than Standard English. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes dialect from accent?

    <p>Dialects involve grammatical forms and vocabulary, while accents refer only to pronunciation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of English language usage, what does 'style' refer to?

    <p>The situational varieties of English based on social context. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following options best explains 'register' in the context of language use?

    <p>The specific vocabulary used related to a particular topic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated about the relationship between style and dialect?

    <p>They are independent of one another and can vary separately. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do different dialects and accents exist within the English language?

    <p>They arise from cultural and geographical separation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following nonstandard phrases exemplifies a common error found in dialects?

    <p>I don’t want none. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tends to characterize regional variation in language according to social status?

    <p>Regional variation decreases as social status increases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about colloquial vocabulary is correct?

    <p>It often includes slang terms and informal expressions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of progressive assimilation?

    <p>The sound that changes is influenced by the preceding sound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example demonstrates regressive assimilation?

    <p>[ðap̚] (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phenomenon is likely to occur when [ṉ] is followed by [f]?

    <p>Labio-dentalisation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What articulatory feature is affected during the devoicing of rhotacised sounds?

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

    In which situation does dentalisation occur?

    <p>When [ṯ, ḏ, ṉ, ɫ] are followed by [θ, ð] (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of assimilation occurs when a sound is influenced by a preceding sound?

    <p>Progressive assimilation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the /s/ sound followed by /ð/ in connected speech?

    <p>It transforms into a voiced sound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of labialisation on the sounds [ṯ, ḏ, ṉ] when followed by labials?

    <p>They are pronounced as [p̚, b̚, m]. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following sounds undergoes velarisation when followed by velar consonants?

    <p>[ṉ] (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when [ṉ] is followed by [c, ɟ, j, tʃ, dʒ] in the process of palatalisation?

    <p>[ṉ] is pronounced as [ŋ̘] (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the assimilation of /s/ and /z/ followed by /ʃ/, how are these sounds pronounced?

    <p>/s/ turns into [ʃ] and /z/ into [ʒ] (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phonological process involves both sounds adjusting mutually?

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

    What is the effect of voicing on consonants in phonological processes?

    <p>Only voiced consonants can become devoiced. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes coalescent assimilation?

    <p>Alveolar stops merge with yod. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context is elision of /h/ most likely to occur?

    <p>After a consonant in weak forms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process leads to the blending of two sounds into one?

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

    How does devoicing typically manifest among voiced consonants?

    <p>They can become devoiced when followed by voiceless consonants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes palatalisation?

    <p>Nasal sounds change before certain consonants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of assimilation involves sounds that result in a wider application across various phonetic contexts?

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

    Under what condition is /t/ and /d/ not commonly elided when they follow a vowel?

    <p>When preceded by a vowel and followed by /h/ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the phenomenon where sounds are linked across word boundaries called?

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

    Which example demonstrates elision of /t/ in 'not' contractions?

    <p>[wəʊŋ gəʊ] (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a situation where /t/ may be glottally reinforced instead of elided?

    <p>When in a 3 consonant sequence with /h/ as the third element (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an incorrect condition for elision of /ð/?

    <p>In accented syllables (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically occurs during the phenomenon known as intrusion?

    <p>A sound is added at word boundaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which context is the /v/ sound most likely to be elided?

    <p>Before unaccented [ðə] and other consonants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT typically associated with elision of /t/ in casual speech?

    <p>At the beginning of a sentence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of linking 'r' in non-rhotic accents?

    <p>To facilitate speech fluidity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of linking?

    <p>[aɪ ˈḏəʊṉṯ̚ cʰɛːɹ ͜ əˈbaʊṯ ɪṯ] (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Dialect Levelling

    A process where different dialects become more similar due to reduced variability, driven by accommodation.

    Accommodation

    Speakers adapting their speech to be more like their interlocutors' speech.

    Koinéization

    A process where a new dialect emerges from contact dialects (which have differing linguistic features), eventually becoming stable.

    Koiné

    A dialect that develops from a mix of different linguistic dialects and social backgrounds during language contact.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dialect levelling's outcome

    Dialects become more similar without creating new forms.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Simplified linguistic features

    Phonological and lexical features that are easier to adopt and use.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Regional Features

    Distinct features of a particular region's dialect.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pidgin

    A secondary language with a stable structure, used for specific tasks in contact situations, like trade. It's not a native language.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pidginization

    The process of creating a pidgin language from multiple, mutually unintelligible languages.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lexifier

    The language that supplies the majority of words (vocabulary) to a pidgin.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Expanded Pidgin

    A pidgin that has become more complex, both lexically (vocabulary) and grammatically, expanding its use.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Creole

    A language that develops from a pidgin and becomes the first language (mother tongue) of a community.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Creolization

    The process of a pidgin becoming a creole language.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lingua Franca

    A language used for communication between people who speak different native languages.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prepidgin or Jargon

    The initial unstable form of communication that precedes a pidgin

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    West African Languages (e.g., Akan, Ewe, Yoruba)

    Languages commonly used in the construction of plantation pidgins

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Language death

    The complete extinction of a language, when no one speaks it anymore.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Language shift

    A gradual change where speakers of one language adopt another.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sudden language extinction

    The quick disappearance of a language due to events like natural disasters or genocide.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gradual language death

    The slow fading away of a language over many generations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dialect

    A particular variety of a language, defined by place or background of the speaker.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Language variety

    A variation of a language, considering regional or social differences.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Extinction of Selk'nam language

    Complete disappearance of the Selk'nam language in Chile due to violence.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Revitalization efforts

    Attempts to bring back or revive a language.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Regional Variation of English

    Difference in English speaking regionally.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social background

    A speaker's social class or status that can influence their language variety.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Regional pronunciation of "r"

    Different pronunciations of the letter 'r' exist across various geographical regions resulting in different sounds for words like 'arm', 'four' and 'mar'.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Loss of 'r' pronunciation

    A phonological change where the letter 'r' is not pronounced in certain words, creating alternate pronunciations, like 'arm' as 'ahm'.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Innovation of 'ahm' pronunciation

    'Ahm' pronunciation of words containing 'r' is relatively newer than the 'r' pronunciation, meaning the loss of 'r' is a relatively new change.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spread of 'r' loss

    The 'r' pronunciation change likely began in south-east England and spread northwards and northwestwards, influenced by communication corridors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Comparison of dialects

    The study of how the 'r' pronunciation change is different between traditional and mainstream dialects. Young urban dialects illustrate the loss in some areas, while others maintain the 'r' sound

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Regional Dialects

    Variations in English language use based on geography. Different areas use slightly different words, grammar, and pronunciation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Dialects

    Variations in English use based on social class or group membership. These variations differ in word choice and grammar.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Standard English

    The form of English generally considered the most prestigious and suitable for formal contexts.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nonstandard English

    English forms that are less prestigious and not considered standard. These include regional variations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Accent

    Differences in pronunciation. Does not include grammar or vocabulary.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Style

    Variations in language connected to the situation. (More formal vs less formal).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Register

    Language used for specific subjects or topics. (Formal vs informal).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Slang

    Informal and colloquial vocabulary.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Geographical Variation

    Differences in language use across different parts of a region.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Variation

    How different groups of people use language differently based on their social standing and backgrounds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Assimilation

    A phonological process where a sound changes to become more like a neighboring sound in connected speech.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Progressive Assimilation

    The sound being changed is influenced by the preceding sound in connected speech.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Regressive Assimilation

    The sound being changed is influenced by the following sound in connected speech.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Devoicing

    A change in a sound from voiced to voiceless.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Labialisation

    Alveolar sounds (t, d, n) become like lip sounds (p, b, m) when followed by lip sounds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dentalisation

    Alveolar sounds (t, d, n, l) become like 'th' sounds when followed by 'th' sounds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Velarisation

    Alveolar sounds (t, d, n) become like 'k' or 'g' sounds when followed by 'k' or 'g' sounds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dark 'l'

    A sound like 'l' produced with the tongue back in the mouth, often used before a vowel.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Clear 'l'

    A sound like 'l' produced with the tongue forward in the mouth, common before a consonant.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Contracted Forms

    Shortened versions of words like 'is' and 'has', often used in casual speech.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Palatalization

    A sound change where a sound becomes more like a palatal consonant (like 'y') when it's next to a palatal sound. In this case, the nasal sound [n] becomes [ŋ̘] when followed by palatal sounds.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reciprocal Assimilation

    A sound change where two sounds influence each other, both changing to become more similar.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Coalescent Assimilation

    A sound change where two sounds merge into a single new sound.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Elision

    The process of dropping a sound in spoken language, making words easier to pronounce quickly.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    /h/ Elision

    The omission (dropping) of the sound /h/ in certain positions, especially with the word "after" following a consonant.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Voiceless Consonant

    A consonant sound that is produced without vibrating the vocal cords.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Voiced Consonant

    A consonant sound that is produced with vibrating vocal cords.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Palatal Sounds

    Sounds made with the tongue near the hard palate (roof of mouth).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Affricate

    A consonant sound that starts with a stop (like 't') and ends with a fricative (like 'sh').

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    /t/ and /d/ elision contexts

    The sounds /t/ and /d/ are usually not elided in three specific contexts: 1. When followed by /h/ in a sequence of three consonants. 2. When preceded by a vowel and followed by /h/. 3. When part of /nt/ or /lt/, followed by a consonant without assimilatory influence.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Glottal reinforcement/glottalisation

    The strengthening or adding of a glottal stop (a sound made by closing the vocal cords) to a sound, often /t/ or /d/.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    /t/ elision in 'not' contractions

    In contractions like 'won't', 'can't', and 'don't', the /t/ sound is often omitted when followed by a consonant.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Linking

    The joining or connecting of sounds at word boundaries, making speech smoother and faster.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Intrusion

    The addition of a sound at word boundaries or within words, where it's not present in the spelling.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Non-rhotic accent

    An accent where the sound /r/ is only pronounced before vowels, not at the end of words.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Language Variation

    • Variability is a fundamental property of languages
    • Allows identification of individuals, groups, and nations
    • Allows tracing language history and comparing languages
    • Includes variations in sound production, as well as processing linguistic signals

    Language Varieties

    • Variations of a given language
    • Mutually intelligible within the same language
    • Geographically specific (e.g., American English)
    • Includes social variations in speech (sociolects)

    Dialects

    • Variations of a language
    • Equally valid forms of a language
    • Associated with specific regions
    • Dialects are variations and can be spoken by socially related groups in a given geographic location

    Accent

    • Collection of features making an accent distinct
    • Identifies regional origin and social status
    • Can indicate native speaker status (exceptions exist)
    • Aspects of pronunciation used to identify speech communities

    Dialectology

    • Systematic study of regional dialects
    • Related to historical linguistic and sociolinguistics
    • Examines variations in language within communities
    • Records data on disappearing dialects
    • Describes and compares various dialects
    • Uses maps and atlases for linguistic research
    • Explains the distribution of dialects and linguistic changes
    • Predicts spread of linguistic innovations or changes
    • Studies the relationship of dialects to their social groups, and the effect on a language over time

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Connected Speech Phenomena PDF

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of language variability, dialects, and accents in this quiz on Language Variation and Dialectology. Understand how dialects reflect geographical and social distinctions, and learn about the systematic study of regional dialects and linguistic changes. Perfect for linguistics enthusiasts!

    More Like This

    Exploring Language Variation
    8 questions

    Exploring Language Variation

    MesmerizedMoldavite7389 avatar
    MesmerizedMoldavite7389
    Language Variation and Registers Quiz
    6 questions
    Dialectology II 2024 Quiz
    20 questions

    Dialectology II 2024 Quiz

    PersonalizedArlington avatar
    PersonalizedArlington
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser