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Questions and Answers
What is literary language?
What is diglossia?
In what linguistic tradition has 'literary language' been used as a synonym of 'standard language'?
What has been the historical distinction in the English language?
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How does literary language relate to spoken lects?
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What is the term used to describe a strong divergence between a written form of a language and the spoken vernacular?
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In which linguistic tradition has the term 'literary language' been used as a synonym of 'standard language'?
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What does 'literary language' refer to when speaking in a formal, academic, or particularly polite tone?
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What is the distinguishing feature of literary language in comparison to spoken lects?
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What does the term 'elevated literary language' historically refer to in the English language?
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Study Notes
Literary Language
- Literary language refers to a standardized form of language used in formal writing, such as literature, academia, and formal speeches.
- In some linguistic traditions, 'literary language' is used as a synonym for 'standard language'.
Diglossia
- Diglossia is a term used to describe a strong divergence between a written form of a language and the spoken vernacular.
Historical Distinction in English
- Historically, there has been a distinction in the English language between the written form and the spoken vernacular.
Relation to Spoken Lects
- Literary language is distinct from spoken lects, which are regional or social dialects.
- Literary language is often used in formal writing, whereas spoken lects are used in everyday conversation.
Elevated Literary Language
- Elevated literary language historically refers to a formal, refined, and ornate style of writing in English, often used in literary works.
Key Features
- The distinguishing feature of literary language is its formal, polished, and precise nature, which sets it apart from spoken lects.
- Literary language is often used to convey a sense of sophistication, elegance, and authority.
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Description
Test your knowledge of literary language with this quiz! Explore the differences between formal and informal language, and learn about the use of nonstandard dialects in literature.
