Overview of the English Language

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Questions and Answers

Which historical event had the most significant impact on the transition from Old English to Middle English?

  • The Renaissance
  • The Norman Conquest (correct)
  • The Great Vowel Shift
  • The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons

In the context of English grammar, which sentence demonstrates the correct Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order?

  • Went she quickly to the store.
  • To the store, she went quickly.
  • She quickly went to the store. (correct)
  • Quickly she went to the store.

Which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes Old English from Modern English?

  • A smaller overall vocabulary
  • A simplified system of inflections
  • Complex inflections and a distinct vocabulary (correct)
  • A lack of Germanic influence

How did the advent of printing during the Early Modern English period most significantly affect the English language?

<p>It accelerated the standardization of spelling and grammar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the use of a reflexive pronoun?

<p>I hurt myself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most contributed to the global spread of the English language during the Modern English period?

<p>The British Empire's expansion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how technological advancements have influenced Modern English?

<p>They have contributed new terminology and vocabulary. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence that contains an adverb modifying an adjective.

<p>She is a very talented singer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best example of a bound morpheme?

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

In the English language, what role do articles such as a, an, and the primarily serve?

<p>Determining whether a noun is specific or unspecific (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A student pronounces the word present with stress on the first syllable (ˈprezənt), indicating a gift. What aspect of phonology does this illustrate?

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

Which sentence structure exemplifies the passive voice?

<p>The mouse was chased by the cat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word computer was initially used to refer to a person who performed calculations, but now it refers to a machine. Which type of semantic change does this illustrate?

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

Received Pronunciation (RP) is most closely associated with which dialect of English?

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

Why is English orthography described as inconsistent?

<p>Its spelling system has evolved with irregularities over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In pragmatics, what is implicature?

<p>What is implied but not explicitly stated (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone says, "Can you pass the salt?" during dinner, what type of speech act are they most likely performing?

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

A politician using euphemisms to describe job losses is primarily employing which aspect of pragmatics?

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

Flashcards

Adverbs

Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs often ending in "-ly".

Prepositions

Words that show the relationship between a noun/pronoun and other words (e.g., on, in, at).

Morphemes

The smallest meaningful units of language.

Free Morphemes

Morphemes that can stand alone as words (e.g., cat, run).

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Bound Morphemes

Morphemes that must be attached to other morphemes (e.g., un-, -ing).

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SVO Order

The typical word order in English sentences: Subject-Verb-Object.

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Phrases

Groups of related words without both a subject and a verb.

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Clauses

Groups of related words containing both a subject and a verb.

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Etymology

The study of word origins.

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Implicature

What is implied but not explicitly stated.

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What is English?

A West Germanic language originating in Great Britain, now globally widespread.

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English's Influences?

Germanic tribes influenced its base; Latin and French shaped vocabulary.

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Old English Period

450-1150 AD, characterized by complex inflections and Germanic vocabulary.

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Middle English Period

1150-1500 AD. French influence after Norman Conquest; simplification of inflections.

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Early Modern English

1500-1800 AD. Great Vowel Shift, Renaissance vocabulary; Shakespeare's era.

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English Word Order

Follows Subject-Verb-Object order in forming sentences.

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What are Nouns?

Words representing persons, places, things, or ideas; can be singular or plural.

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What are Pronouns?

Words replacing nouns (e.g., I, you, he); include personal, possessive, etc.

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Study Notes

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