Linguistics and Language Study

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following vowel sounds is considered tense?

[ʌ]

[i] (correct)

[ɑ]

[ɔ]

What describes the vowel [ɔ] in terms of its quality?

Mid, central, unrounded, and lax

Low, back, unrounded, and tense

Mid, back, rounded, and lax (correct)

High, front, unrounded, and tense

Which vowel sound is unrounded and considered lax?

[ɑ] (correct)

[ɪ]

[u]

[i]

The Great English Vowel Shift primarily affected which aspect of English?

Vowel pronunciation Signup and view all the answers

Which IPA symbol corresponds to the vowel sound in 'heat'?

[i] Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines language as a systematic means of communication?

It connects meanings to phonetic sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language does Noam Chomsky's definition highlight?

Language is biologically inherited. Signup and view all the answers

According to the definitions provided, language is characterized as consisting of:

Arbitrary vocal and non-vocal signs. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by ‘arbitrary’ in the context of language symbols?

The meanings are established through social agreement. Signup and view all the answers

In which context is language said to operate according to the given definitions?

In a speech community or culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the idea of language as a mental phenomenon?

Language is a learned skill influenced by environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which definition illustrates that language is a system of communication used by a particular group?

Language utilizes arbitrary symbols consistent within a culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components of language as defined in the provided definitions?

It involves understanding meanings associated with symbols. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of linguistics as a scientific field?

Understanding knowledge systems related to language Signup and view all the answers

In what context does linguistics primarily examine the relationship between languages?

Among diverse language families across the world Signup and view all the answers

How do linguists utilize empirical observations?

To test and validate theories of language behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects of language is NOT typically studied by linguists?

The effectiveness of language in artistic expression Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say that linguistics is a science?

It relies on empirical data to formulate and test theories Signup and view all the answers

Which method might a linguist use to investigate language acquisition in infants?

Examining how infants respond to speech sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the essence of language as described by Henry Sweet?

Language expresses ideas through a structured combination of speech-sounds. Signup and view all the answers

Which field is considered a sister discipline to linguistics in understanding language behavior?

Psychology Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the variety of English that is closest to the standard?

Acrolect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'basilect'?

A variety that thoroughly digresses from the standard Signup and view all the answers

What are 'edulects' defined as in the context of English varieties?

Varieties resulting from specific types of education Signup and view all the answers

In what way do the structural characteristics of new varieties of English differ?

They are influenced by the mother tongue or home languages Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'mesolect'?

A midway variety between acrolect and basilect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences varieties of English?

Regional weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'structural variation' refer to?

Differences in grammar and language structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe a feature of intercultural communication?

It is consistent across all cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of speakers from the Outer and Expanding Circle regarding rhythm?

They often use a syllable-timed rhythm. Signup and view all the answers

Which group uses a positive-negative question-answering system that can lead to confusion?

Outer Circle speakers Signup and view all the answers

What phonological change do Inner Circle countries observe in voiceless plosives?

They observe initial aspiration of voiceless plosives. Signup and view all the answers

What distinction do Japanese speakers fail to make?

Between r and l sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What syntactical system do Inner Circle speakers typically observe?

Positive-negative system Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue faced by speakers of the Outer Circle when interpreting responses?

They often misinterpret yes or no due to lack of clarification. Signup and view all the answers

How do Nigerians differentiate between the pronunciation of ‘recognize’?

They say ‘recog’nize. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between question polarity and answers in the Inner Circle?

Answers affirm the positive questions with positive answers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'competence' refer to in the context of language according to Chomsky?

The shared grammatical knowledge of speakers. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the actual language used by speakers, involving mistakes and variations?

Performance Signup and view all the answers

The name 'England' is derived from which of the following groups?

The Angles Signup and view all the answers

Which region in Germany is likely the origin of the Angles?

Angeln Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the invasions of the British Isles over the centuries?

Various peoples brought their languages and customs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term CE in historical contexts?

It refers to the Common Era and replaces AD. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'performance' in the linguistic context?

The output of language used in real life situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Celtic influence on English is true?

It has greatly diminished over the centuries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Objectives

Students should be able to discuss language study, compare and contrast grammar components, and share arguments on various Englishes.

Linguistics as the Science of Language

Engagement Activities involve analyzing lists of statements about language and providing explanations.
Topics include language acquisition, comparisons of speech and writing, and the perceived differing language abilities among genders.
Individuals express thoughts and opinions about languages, whether “primitive” or complex.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the fascinating world of linguistics through this quiz focused on language acquisition, grammar, and gender differences in language skills. Engage with various statements about language, providing insights and arguments on the complexities of English and its diverse forms. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of language studies.