329 Questions
Match the characteristics of each circle in Kachru's Circles model with their corresponding labels:
Native Language = Inner Circle Second Language = Outer Circle Foreign Language = Expanding Circle Official Language = Outer Circle
Match the countries with the corresponding circle in Kachru's Circles model:
USA = Inner Circle India = Outer Circle China = Expanding Circle UK = Inner Circle
Match the features of the Inner Circle with the correct descriptions:
Native Accent = Comes 'for free' Little enthusiasm to learn other languages = Used for all administrative and social purposes English dominates communication = Used for all administrative and social purposes English is the native language = Native Language, or mother tongue, of most people
Match the number of English speakers with the corresponding circle in Kachru's Circles model:
380 million = Inner Circle 300-500 million = Outer Circle 500-1000 million = Expanding Circle 100-200 million = Outer Circle
Match the characteristics of the Outer Circle with the correct descriptions:
Colonial Legacy = Official Language, in many public domains English is a second language = Used for administrative and social purposes English is used for education = Official Language, in many public domains Little enthusiasm to learn other languages = Not a characteristic of the Outer Circle
Match the features of the Expanding Circle with the correct descriptions:
English is used for international communication = Not a characteristic of the Expanding Circle 500-1000 million English speakers = Number of English speakers English is a foreign language = English = Foreign Language (EFL) English is used for education = Not a characteristic of the Expanding Circle
Match the following regions with their corresponding English language circle:
United Kingdom = The Inner Circle India = The Outer Circle China = The Expanding Circle Australia = The Inner Circle
Match the following features with their corresponding language style:
Use of 'aiya' to express surprise, disgust, or anger = Chinglish Prolonged vowel sounds = Chinglish Use of 'the' as a filler = Chinglish Use of 'already' to describe past actions = Chinglish
Match the following countries with their corresponding English language circle:
Nigeria = The Outer Circle Japan = The Expanding Circle Ireland = The Inner Circle Russia = The Expanding Circle
Match the following English language norms with their corresponding circle:
Norm-providing = The Inner Circle Norm-developing = The Outer Circle Norm-dependent = The Expanding Circle Norm-setting = The Inner Circle
Match the following language styles with their corresponding features:
Chinglish = Literal translations, such as 'no noising' for 'quiet' Japanese English = Use of 'J' instead of 'Z' in pronunciation Indian English = Use of 'already' to describe past actions Nigerian English = Use of 'aiya' to express surprise, disgust, or anger
Match the following English language circles with their corresponding characteristics:
The Inner Circle = English is used as a lingua franca The Outer Circle = English is a colonial legacy The Expanding Circle = English is used for specific, limited purposes
Match the following authors with their corresponding book titles:
Jennifer Jenkins = Global English Kachru = English Across the Globe Jenkins = The Language of Business
Match the following English language circles with their corresponding roles:
The Inner Circle = Norm-providing The Outer Circle = Norm-providing The Expanding Circle = Norm-dependent
Match the following language features with their corresponding language circles:
Use of 'the' as a filler = Chinglish in The Expanding Circle Prolonged vowel sounds = Chinglish in The Expanding Circle Use of 'already' to describe past actions = Indian English in The Outer Circle Use of 'aiya' to express surprise, disgust, or anger = Chinese English in The Expanding Circle
Match the following English language circles with their corresponding regions:
The Inner Circle = The United States and Australia The Outer Circle = Asia and Africa The Expanding Circle = Much of Europe and Indonesia
Match the following theories with their respective contributors:
Descartes = Historical Background Theory John Watson = Behaviourism Theory John Locke = Empiricism Plato = Innatism
Match the following maxims of polite speech with their respective categories:
Don't impose = Negative Politeness Give options = Positive Politeness Make your receiver feel good = Positive Politeness Avoid forcing others into a corner = Negative Politeness
Match the following theories of language and thought with their key ideas:
Theory of Innatism = The human brain has an innate ability to master language complexities Theory of Empiricism = Knowledge and sense of self come through experiences and senses Theory of Behaviourism = Language acquisition is through observation and imitation Theory of Historical Background = Language acquisition is part of general reasoning ability
Match the following conversational strategies with their effects:
Using 'yes but' = Qualifies or changes what has just been said Using 'however' = Operates as an adversative conjunction Using 'not exactly' = Modifies the previous statement Using 'no' = Directly contradicts the previous statement
Match the following researchers with their contributions:
B.F. Skinner = Developed John Watson's behaviourism research Robin Lakoff = Provided maxims for polite speech Brown & Levinson = Contributed to Positive and Negative Politeness Erving = Developed a theory of politeness
Match the following language acquisition theories with their key proponents:
Innatism = Plato and Descartes Empiricism = John Locke Behaviourism = John Watson and B.F. Skinner Historical Background = Descartes
Match the following language aspects with their descriptions:
Lexis = Knowledge of words and phrases learned Grammar = Rules governing language structure Cognitive skills = Development of brain functions alongside language learning
Match the following conversational success factors with their importance:
Relative power and influence of participants = Crucial in formal and informal situations Face-saving strategies = Important in managing differences of opinion Positive Politeness = Makes the receiver feel good Negative Politeness = Avoids imposing on others
Match the following language and thought theories with their central ideas:
Culture and lifestyle shape thought = Theories of Language and Thought Brain functions develop alongside language learning = Cognitive Abilities Sense of self-identity comes through experience = Empiricism Language complexities require innate abilities = Innatism
Match the following conversational strategies with their goals:
Using 'I'm sorry to bother you' = Avoid imposing on others Giving options = Avoid forcing others into a corner Making the receiver feel good = Creating a positive atmosphere Asking for advice = Showing appreciation for the receiver's opinion
Match the following linguists with their respective contributions to the field of linguistics:
Platt, Weber and Ho = New Englishes Robert Philipson = Language Imperialism Paul Grice = Conversational Maxims Erving Goffman = Conversational Face
Match the following concepts with their definitions:
New Englishes = Varieties of English developed in different countries through government administration, education, and media Language Imperialism = The dominance of one language over another Conversational Maxims = Guidelines for managing conversation Conversational Face = Each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth
Match the following maxims with their descriptions:
Maxim of Quantity = Make your contribution to the conversation as informative as necessary Maxim of Relation = Be relevant Maxim of Quality = Do not say what you believe to be false Maxim of Manner = Avoid obscurity of expression
Match the following concepts with their respective authors:
Language Imperialism = Robert Philipson Conversational Maxims = Paul Grice Conversational Face = Erving Goffman and Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson New Englishes = Platt, Weber and Ho
Match the following politeness strategies with their descriptions:
Positive Politeness = Being complimentary to the person before starting a potentially face-threatening act Negative Politeness = Mitigating request or situation by the speaker Conversational Maxims = Guidelines for managing conversation Language Imperialism = The dominance of one language over another
Match the following concepts with their effects on conversation:
Conversational Maxims = Provides a general framework for managing conversation Conversational Face = Makes speakers feel intimidated, ignored, or ridiculed Language Imperialism = Causes the decline and death of a language New Englishes = Creates a common medium for communication
Match the following authors with their respective years of publication:
Paul Grice = 1975 Erving Goffman = 1967 Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson = 1987 Robert Philipson = Not specified
Match the following concepts with their consequences:
Language Imperialism = Impoverishment of a language's culture Conversational Face = Speakers feel intimidated, ignored, or ridiculed New Englishes = Creation of a common medium for communication Conversational Maxims = Provides a general framework for managing conversation
Match the following politeness strategies with their examples:
Positive Politeness = 'You look great/sad, can I help?' Negative Politeness = 'You wouldn't be able to pass me the sugar, would you?' Conversational Face = Not specified Language Imperialism = Not specified
Match the following concepts with their areas of focus:
New Englishes = Language variety and development Language Imperialism = Power dynamics and language Conversational Maxims = Conversation management Conversational Face = Social identity and language
Match the following types of power with their corresponding definitions:
Teachers = Those who hold power as a result of social variables: class, age, and gender Political = Held by politicians, the police, and workers in the law courts Social Group = Held by educators, managers, and employers Power behind Discourse = How language used reflects the power relationships between speakers
Match the following concepts with their corresponding authors:
Power behind Discourse = Norman Fairclough Power in Discourse = Norman Fairclough Discourse Communities = Swales Social Group = No specific author mentioned
Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:
Power in Discourse = How the current situation of speakers affects their power asymmetry or difference Power behind Discourse = How language used reflects the power relationships between speakers Discourse Communities = When a person becomes a member of a professional community Social Group = Those who hold power as a result of social variables: class, age, and gender
Match the following concepts with their corresponding characteristics:
Discourse Communities = Uses a specialist lexis and shares specialist knowledge Power in Discourse = Uses language to reflect power relationships between speakers Power behind Discourse = Affects power asymmetry or difference between speakers Social Group = Held by educators, managers, and employers
Match the following examples with their corresponding concepts:
Interviewing a famous person = Power behind Discourse Using 'sir' in a conversation = Power in Discourse Becoming a member of a professional community = Discourse Communities Holding power due to social variables = Social Group
Match the following descriptions with their corresponding concepts:
A person's occupation has a set of values and shares specialist knowledge = Discourse Communities Language used reflects the power relationships between speakers = Power in Discourse A person's power is affected by their current situation = Power behind Discourse Power held by educators, managers, and employers = Social Group
Match the philosophers with their corresponding theories about the mind:
Plato = Innatism, believing that ideas are in the mind at birth Descartes = Innatism, believing that ideas are in the mind at birth Noam Chomsky = Nativism, focusing on genetic abilities for language development Edward Sapir = Linguistic relativity, studying how language affects thought
Match the theories with their corresponding views on language and thought:
Linguistic determinism = Language determines the way we think Linguistic relativity = The structure of a language affects the speaker's world Linguistic reflection = Language only reflects the thoughts of its speakers Nativism = Genetic abilities are responsible for language development
Match the examples with their corresponding concepts:
Inuit tribes having three words for 'snow' = Language shaping the way we think about the world Hopi Indians' concept of time = Different uses of tenses affecting thought English having one word for 'snow' = Language restricting thought French being specific about gender = Languages differ in required information
Match the linguists with their corresponding theories or contributions:
Boas-Jakobson = Principle that every thought can be expressed in every language Rik Pinxten = Theory of universalism, suggesting language is a reflection of human thoughts Howard Giles = Communication Accommodation Theory, arguing individuals change their speech to accommodate others Deborah Tannen = Genderlect Theory, highlighting gender differences in conversational styles
Match the authors with their corresponding works:
George Orwell = 1984, demonstrating the use of language to restrict thought Guy Deutcher = Through the Looking Glass, explaining language ideas Noam Chomsky = Language Acquisition Device, enabling language development Edward Sapir = The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, on language and thought
Match the concepts with their corresponding descriptions:
Tabula Rasa = The mind is born with no ideas Innatism = The mind is born with ideas Nativism = Genetic abilities are responsible for language development Linguistic determinism = Language determines the way we think
Match the linguistic theories with their descriptions:
Boas-Jakobson Principle = Language controlling the thoughts of the speakers Universalism = All languages have shared patterns and concepts, reflecting human thoughts Communication Accommodation Theory = Individuals change their speech to accommodate others during interactions Newspeak = A fictional language with a limited lexis, controlling the thoughts of the speakers
Match the researchers with their contributions to linguistics:
Rik Pinxten = Developing the theory of universalism Deborah Tannen = Research on gender differences in conversational styles John Gumperz = Examining differences of speech styles in different cultures George Orwell = Creating the fictional language of Newspeak
Match the theories with their corresponding critics:
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis = Criticisms of data collection and conclusion Linguistic relativity = Criticisms of language shaping thought Nativism = Criticisms of genetic abilities Linguistic reflection = Criticisms of language influencing thought
Match the philosophers with their corresponding time periods:
Plato = 427-347 BCE Descartes = 1596-1650 AD Noam Chomsky = 20th century AD Edward Sapir = 20th century AD
Match the characteristics with the corresponding conversational style:
Giving and receiving information = Male conversational style Building and reinforcing relationships = Female conversational style Assertive with no strategies to avoid conflict = Male conversational style Using polite forms of address = Female conversational style
Match the theories with their descriptions:
Universalism = All languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts Communication Accommodation Theory = Individuals change their speech to accommodate others Genderlect Theory = Gender differences in conversational styles Boas-Jakobson Principle = Every thought can be expressed in every language
Match the concepts with their corresponding descriptions:
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis = Language shaping the way we think about the world Linguistic relativity = The structure of a language affects the speaker's world The Boas-Jakobson principle = Every thought can be expressed in every language Nativism = Genetic abilities are responsible for language development
Match the languages with their corresponding characteristics:
English = Not specific about stating the gender of things French = Specific about stating the gender of things Hungarian = Does not mark masculine and feminine genders Inuit = Has multiple words for 'snow'
Match the concepts with their corresponding linguists:
Language controlling thoughts = George Orwell's Newspeak Universalism = Rik Pinxten Communication Accommodation Theory = Howard Giles Gender differences in conversation = Deborah Tannen
Match the concepts with their corresponding descriptions:
Language Acquisition Device = Enabling the initial development of language The Boas-Jakobson principle = Every thought can be expressed in every language Linguistic determinism = Language determines the way we think Innatism = The mind is born with ideas
Match the conversational styles with their characteristics:
Male conversational style = Giving and receiving information Female conversational style = Using polite forms of address
Match the researchers with their areas of study:
Deborah Tannen = Gender differences in conversational styles Rik Pinxten = Universalism and language patterns Howard Giles = Communication Accommodation Theory and speech patterns John Gumperz = Differences of speech styles in different cultures
Match the theories with their implications:
Boas-Jakobson Principle = Language influences thought and perception Universalism = All languages share common patterns and concepts Communication Accommodation Theory = Individuals adapt their speech to fit social situations Newspeak = Limited language limits thought and expression
Match the linguistics concepts with their descriptions:
Newspeak = Fictional language with a limited lexis, controlling thoughts Universalism = Theory suggesting language reflects human thoughts Genderlect Theory = Differences in conversational styles between men and women Communication Accommodation Theory = Adapting speech to fit social situations
Match the characteristics of women's language with their corresponding descriptions:
Minimal responses = Using few words to show agreement Hyper-correct grammar = Using correct grammar and pronunciation Empty adjectives = Using words like 'divine', 'lovely', 'adorable' Super-polite forms = Using polite phrases like 'Would you mind…'
Match the researchers with their corresponding theories:
Lakoff = Language differences are due to gender O'Barr and Atkins = Language differences are situation-specific, relying on power and authority Wareing = Language and power are related None of the above = No specific theory mentioned
Match the characteristics of women's language with their corresponding examples:
Using a higher pitch range = Speaking more quietly Hedging = Using phrases like 'sort of', 'kind of' Apologising more = Saying 'I'm sorry' frequently Using euphemisms = Using indirect or polite language
Match the characteristics of the powerful speakers with their corresponding traits:
Using less hedges = Speaking with confidence Using more direct requests = Speaking with authority Using fewer empty adjectives = Speaking with precision Using less super-polite forms = Speaking with assertiveness
Match the characteristics of powerless speakers with their corresponding traits:
Using more hedges = Speaking with uncertainty Using more indirect requests = Speaking with hesitation Using more empty adjectives = Speaking with emotional evaluations Using more super-polite forms = Speaking with deference
Match the types of power with their corresponding descriptions:
Personal power = Resulting from occupation or role Social power = Resulting from social standing Courtroom power = Resulting from authority in the court Language power = Resulting from control over language
Match the language theories with their primary focus:
Standpoint Theory = Understanding women's experiences and knowledge Muted Group Theory = Minorities' lack of power and silenced voices Dominance Approach = Men's natural dominance over women Deficit Approach = Women's inferior language use compared to men
Match the language styles with their corresponding characteristics:
Women's language = Using more hedges and tag questions Powerless language = Using more indirect requests Polite language = Using more super-polite forms Assertive language = Using more direct requests
Match the language theories with their authors:
Standpoint Theory = Harding and Wood Muted Group Theory = Shirley and Edwin Ardener Deficit Approach = Otto Jespersen Dominance Theory = Robin Lakoff
Match the researchers with their corresponding studies:
O'Barr and Atkins = Studying courtroom cases for 30 months Lakoff = Studying language differences between men and women Wareing = Studying language and power None of the above = No specific study mentioned
Match the theories with their views on women's language use:
Deficit Approach = Women's language is inferior and emotional Dominance Theory = Women's language is weaker and less certain Standpoint Theory = Women's language reflects their unique experiences Muted Group Theory = Women's voices are silenced due to lack of power
Match the characteristics of women's language with their corresponding examples:
Using question intonation = Raising the pitch of the voice at the end of a statement Using more intensifiers = Using words like 'very', 'so' Using more adjectives to describe approximate amounts = Using words like 'around', 'about' Using more euphemisms = Using indirect or polite language
Match the language styles with their corresponding characteristics:
Women's language = Using more emotional evaluations Powerless language = Using more indirect requests Polite language = Using more super-polite forms Assertive language = Using more direct requests
Match the theories with their views on men's language use:
Dominance Approach = Men are naturally dominant and assertive Deficit Approach = Men have a larger vocabulary and use more precise words Standpoint Theory = Men's language use is not considered in women's experiences Muted Group Theory = Men's voices are dominant and heard in society
Match the theories with their views on gender differences:
Difference Approach = Men and women have different lifestyles and communication modes Dominance Approach = Men are naturally dominant and women acquiesce Deficit Approach = Women's language is inferior and lacks complexity Standpoint Theory = Women's experiences and knowledge are unique and valuable
Match the theories with their views on power dynamics:
Muted Group Theory = Minorities lack power and are silenced Dominance Approach = Men have power and dominance over women Standpoint Theory = Women's experiences and knowledge are undervalued Deficit Approach = Women's language is inferior due to lack of power
Match the theories with their views on language and society:
Muted Group Theory = Language reflects and perpetuates societal power dynamics Dominance Theory = Language contributes to gender inequality Standpoint Theory = Language should be understood from women's perspectives Deficit Approach = Language is degraded by women's expressions
Match the theories with their views on women's language acquisition:
Deficit Approach = Women learn quicker but men learn more in-depth Muted Group Theory = Women's language use is limited by lack of power Standpoint Theory = Women's language reflects their unique experiences Dominance Theory = Women's language is weaker and less certain
Match the theories with their views on language and gender:
Difference Approach = Men and women have different communication modes Dominance Approach = Men dominate women through language and behavior Standpoint Theory = Women's language reflects their unique experiences and knowledge Muted Group Theory = Language reflects and perpetuates societal power dynamics
Match the theories with their views on language use and gender roles:
Deficit Approach = Women's language use is inferior and reflects their gender roles Dominance Theory = Language contributes to gender inequality and reinforces gender roles Standpoint Theory = Women's language use reflects their unique experiences and challenges gender roles Muted Group Theory = Language use reflects and perpetuates societal power dynamics and gender roles
Kachru's model describes the circumstances in which English is spoken in the ______ world.
global
Kachru's circles model consists of three ______ of differing sizes.
circles
The Inner Circle is where English is the native language, or ______ tongue, of most people.
mother
The total number of English speakers in the Inner Circle regions is approximately ______ million.
380
In the Inner Circle, English dominates communication and is used for all ______ and social purposes.
administrative
In the Outer Circle, English is a ______ language and is used in many public domains.
second
The Inner Circle represents the traditional bases of English in regions where it is now used as a ______ language.
primary
English is regarded as a ______ language in the Outer Circle regions.
second
In the Outer Circle, English serves as a useful ______ language between ethnic and language groups.
common
The Expanding Circle includes countries where English plays no ______ or governmental role.
historical
In the Expanding Circle, learners of English adopt some of its language features and incorporate their ______ language.
native
The language style of 'Japlish' is a mix of Japanese and ______.
English
In her book Global English, Jennifer Jenkins believes that there are likely to be more ______ speakers of English than of any other variety.
Chinese
Kachru's circle model is interesting, both historically and ______, and also central to the standards of English.
geographically
New Englishes is a term first coined by ______ to describe varieties of English which have developed in different countries.
Platt, Weber and Ho
According to Robert Philipson, Language Imperialism is the dominance of one language over ______.
another
The most generally held view is that the Inner Circle is ______-providing, which means that English language norms are developed in these countries.
norm
The cooperative principle states that people wish to express ______ information in a clear manner.
relevant
The Expanding Circle is ______-dependent because it relies on the standards set by native speakers in the Inner Circle.
norm
Paul Grice established the guideline principles of conversation known as ______.
maxims
The theory of face was initiated by ______ in 1967 and developed by Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson in 1987.
Erving Goffman
Positive politeness may be used to make the listener feel good about ______.
themselves
The concept of New Englishes refers to varieties of English which have developed in different countries through ______ administration, education and media.
government
Language Imperialism causes the imperial language to gain control of a country's ______ institutions.
political, economic and social
The decline and death of a language also results in the ______ of its culture and those who speak it as their mother tongue.
impoverishment
Conversational maxims are broken in almost every ______.
conversation
The ______________ Theory suggests that studies about women, including their language, should be practised from the point of view of women.
Standpoint
The Muted Group Theory was founded by ______________ and furthered by Cheris Kramarae.
Shirley and Edwin Ardener
The Dominance Approach proposes that men are naturally more ______________ than women.
dominant
According to the Difference Approach, men and women have fundamentally different modes of ______________.
communication
Otto Jespersen theorised that women have a smaller ______________ than men.
vocabulary
Robin Lakoff argued that language is fundamental to ______________ inequality.
gender
Standpoint Theory suggests that women’s lives and experiences are significantly different from those of ______________.
men
The Dominance Approach states that women act in a less ______________ way around men.
dominant
According to the Deficit Approach, women ‘shrank from coarse and gross ______________’.
expressions
Otto Jespersen believed that men are responsible for introducing new ______________ into the language.
words
Women tend to speak more____________________ than men.
quietly
Women use a greater range of __________________ and 'speak in italics'.
intonation
Women often use question __________________ in declarative statements.
intonation
Women tend to ______________ more than men.
apologise
Women use more words for __________________ than men.
colours
Women use more __________________ adjectives than men.
empty
O'Barr and Atkins' study found that language differences are __________________-specific.
situation
According to O'Barr and Atkins, the women who used the lowest frequency of 'women's language' traits had an unusually high __________________.
status
Wareing's theory is about __________________ and Power.
Language
There are three types of power, including __________________ power.
Personal
Power behind ______ refers to how the current situation of speakers affect their power asymmetry or difference.
Discourse
Power in ______ reflects the power relationships between speakers, for example, how one person may use ‘sir’, while the other doesn’t.
Discourse
______ communities are professional communities that have a set of values and shares specialist knowledge, people acquire languages features of the group.
Discourse
Norman Fairclough focussed on ______ behind Discourse and Power in Discourse.
Power
A ______ community will use a specialist lexis as they work in the same field.
Discourse
The term “______ communities” was made to emphasise the importance of language in their constitution.
Discourse
Traditionally, innatism refers to the philosophy of Plato who believed that ideas were in the mind at ______ and given by a supreme being.
birth
Noam Chomsky has been the leading proponent of the view that the Language Acquisition Device enables the initial development of language which then interacts with an individual’s childhood experiences within a society to produce both language and a sense of ______.
self
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis supported the view that the words and grammar of a language directly shape the ______ of its speakers.
thoughts
A well-known example is that English has one word for ‘snow’, whereas the Inuit tribes of the Arctic have three words for its different ______.
properties
The opposite of linguistic determinism is the idea that the language which is used only reflects the ______ of its speakers, so language influences people’s views of their world but does not determine it.
thoughts
Whorf gave examples of language differences relating to concepts of time, space and ______.
lifestyle
The Boas-Jakobson principle states that, in theory, every ______ can be expressed in every language but that languages differ in the types of information they require speakers to mention when they use the language.
thought
Guy Deutcher explains language ideas in his book Through the Looking Glass: Why the world looks different in other ______.
languages
The author George Orwell demonstrated in his novel 1984, written in 1948, that totalitarian systems might use language to restrict ______.
thought
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was widely discussed in the ______.
1950s
The fictional society described in the novel is very tightly controlled and is reinforced by the official language of _______________.
Newspeak
According to the Boas-Jakobson Principle, every thought can be expressed in every language, albeit with differing required bits of _______________.
information
Disagreements are an inevitable part of ______ and the management of differences of opinion is closely related to face-saving strategies.
discourse
The theory of universalism suggests that language is a reflection of human _______________ and that all languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts.
thoughts
The adversative conjunction ‘but’ qualifies or changes what has just been said in some way, while ‘______’ and ‘not exactly’ operate in the same way.
however
Communication Accommodation Theory argues that individuals change their _______________, vocal patterns and gestures to accommodate others, during interactions.
speech
An important feature in any conversation is the relative ______ and influence of the participants.
power
Deborah Tannen's research on conversational styles showed that men's conversation tended to be about the giving and receiving of _______________ in cultures where men wish to be seen to act independently.
information
Brown & Levinson contributed the ______ and Negative Politeness aspects of Erving’s Theory.
Positive Politeness
Tannen found that women's conversation was more to do with building and reinforcing _______________ relationships and all the negotiating strategies which go with this.
cooperative
Every person uses language in a new way each time they speak, yet most linguists agree that the ______ of a society, including its lifestyle, traditions and innovations, shape the way we think and so, to some extent, these influences shape the way we talk.
culture
Men's conversations are often _______________ with no strategies to avoid conflict, according to Tannen's research.
assertive
The Genderlect Theory was developed by Deborah Tannen, a distinguished American academic in the field of _______________.
linguistics
According to ______ theory, the development of the mind, and also language, sprang directly from the child’s observation and imitation of those in the world around them.
Behaviourism
John Watson’s research, in 1913, was developed by B.F. ______ whose book Behaviour of Organisms was published in 1938 and explored the ideas described here.
Skinner
The theory of universalism suggests that all humans share the same _______________ processes, such as memory and perception, which are reflected in every language.
cognitive
Communication Accommodation Theory was proposed by _______________ in 1973.
Howard Giles
The theory was advanced by John ______ who published a book in 1690 which argued that the mind at birth was a ‘clean slate’ on which all experiences developed.
Locke
This theory puts forward the idea that there is something special about the human ______ which enables it to master the complexities of language.
brain
Robin Lakoff provided three maxims for ______ speech: Don’t impose, Give options, and Make your receiver feel good.
polite
What is the main purpose of Kachru's Circles model?
To describe the circumstances in which English is spoken throughout the world
What is the primary characteristic of the Inner Circle in Kachru's Circles model?
English is the native language or mother tongue of most people in these countries
What is the significance of the Outer Circle in Kachru's Circles model?
English is a second language, used as an official language in many public domains
What is the distinction between the Expanding Circle and the Inner Circle in Kachru's Circles model?
English is a foreign language in the Expanding Circle, whereas it is a native language in the Inner Circle
What is the approximate number of English speakers in the Inner Circle countries?
380 million
What is the purpose of the labels 'EFL', 'ESL', and 'Native Language' in Kachru's Circles model?
To distinguish between English as a foreign language, second language, and native language
What is the primary function of English in the Outer Circle, according to Kachru's circle model?
As a lingua franca between ethnic and language groups.
What is the term used to describe the language style that combines elements of Japanese and English?
'Japlish'
Which circle of Kachru's model is characterized by the widespread use of English for specific, limited purposes, such as business and the internet?
The Expanding Circle
What is the name of the book written by Jennifer Jenkins, which discusses the growing variety of English language styles?
Global English
In Kachru's circle model, which circle is considered norm-providing?
The Inner Circle
What is the characteristic of Chinglish, where actions in the past are described?
By using adverbs, such as 'already'
Which circle of Kachru's model includes countries where English plays a historical or governmental role, but is not the native tongue?
The Outer Circle
What is the term used to describe the mix of Chinese and English language features?
Chinglish
According to Kachru's circle model, which circle relies on the standards set by native speakers in the Inner Circle?
The Expanding Circle
What is the primary criterion for distinguishing between the different circles in Kachru's model?
The historical and governmental role of English in each region
What is the term 'New Englishes' referring to, according to Platt, Weber and Ho?
Varieties of English that have developed in different countries through government administration, education, and media, rather than from native language speakers.
What is Language Imperialism, according to Robert Philipson?
The dominance of one language over another, leading to control of a country's political, economic, and social institutions.
What is the cooperative principle in conversation, according to Paul Grice?
The principle that people wish to express relevant information in a clear manner.
What are the four maxims of conversation, according to Paul Grice?
The maxims of Quantity, Relation, Quality, and Manner.
What is the concept of 'face' in conversation, according to Erving Goffman and furthered by Brown and Levinson?
Each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth.
What is the purpose of positive politeness strategies in conversation, according to Brown and Levinson?
To make the listener feel good about themselves, their interests, or possessions.
What is the difference between positive and negative politeness strategies in conversation?
Positive politeness is used to make the listener feel good, while negative politeness is used to mitigate a request or situation that may restrict the listener's freedom.
Why is the concept of 'face' important in conversation, according to Erving Goffman and Brown and Levinson?
It affects how speakers feel about themselves and their interactions with others.
What is the significance of the maxims of conversation in the context of social media, according to Paul Grice?
The rise of social media has led to a higher divergence from the maxims of conversation.
How do speakers use politeness strategies to manage face-threatening acts in conversation, according to Brown and Levinson?
They use positive and negative politeness strategies to make the listener feel good or to mitigate a request, respectively.
What is the main idea behind the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?
The words and grammar of a language directly shape the thoughts of its speakers.
What is the opposite of linguistic determinism?
Linguistic reflection
Who is the leading proponent of the view that the Language Acquisition Device enables the initial development of language?
Noam Chomsky
What is the term for the idea that the structure of a language affects the speaker's world?
Linguistic relativity
What is the criticism of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?
Flawed data collection and conclusion methods
What is the Boas-Jakobson principle?
The idea that every thought can be expressed in every language, but languages differ in the types of information they require speakers to mention.
What is the concept of linguistic determinism?
The idea that language determines the way we think
What is the example of the Inuit tribes' language and thought?
The Inuit people have multiple words for snow, allowing them to think in more subtle ways about snow.
Who wrote the book 'Through the Looking Glass: Why the world looks different in other languages'?
Guy Deutcher
What is the concept of nativism?
The idea that individuals are born with genetic abilities, including the development of language.
What is the significance of using 'yes, but' instead of 'no' in disagreements?
It is a more successful approach because it allows for face-saving strategies and qualifications, making the conversation more polite and less confrontational.
What is the main idea behind Brown and Levinson's contribution to Erving's Theory?
They contributed the aspects of Positive and Negative Politeness.
What is the main idea behind Robin Lakoff's Politeness Principle?
It involves three maxims: Don't impose, Give options, and Make your receiver feel good.
How does the culture of a society shape our language and thought?
The culture of a society, including its lifestyle, traditions, and innovations, influences the way we think and, therefore, the way we talk.
What is the main idea behind the Historical Background Theory of language acquisition?
Language acquisition is part of a person's general ability to reason, and it requires little cognitive effort.
What is the main idea behind the Behaviourism Theory of language acquisition?
Language acquisition occurs through observation and imitation of those in the world around us, and is shaped by our experiences and environment.
What is the main idea behind the Empiricism Theory of language acquisition?
Our sense of self-identity and knowledge of language come through our senses and experiences, rather than through innate ideas or reasoning.
What is the main idea behind the Innatism Theory of language acquisition?
There is something special about the human brain that enables it to master the complexities of language.
What is the significance of relative power and influence in conversation?
Conversational success is more likely to occur when strategies take account of the relative status of each participant.
What is the importance of face-saving strategies in managing disagreements?
Face-saving strategies allow individuals to disagree without causing offense or damaging relationships, leading to more effective communication and conflict resolution.
What is the primary way that power is exercised in discourse according to Norman Fairclough?
through language
What is a discourse community according to Swales?
a group of people who share specialist knowledge and values and use a specialist lexis
What is an example of how power affects discourse, according to Norman Fairclough?
one person using 'sir' while the other doesn't
What is the term used to describe how language reflects power relationships between speakers?
power in discourse
What is the term used to describe how the current situation of speakers affects their power and discourse?
power behind discourse
What are the social variables that contribute to power, according to the text?
class, ethnicity, age, and gender
What is the main idea behind Standpoint Theory, and what criticism does it face?
Standpoint Theory suggests that studies about women should be practiced from the point of view of women, recognizing that women's lives and experiences are significantly different from those of men, and that women have a different type of knowledge. A criticism of this theory is that women's lives may themselves be as different from each other as the gender differences.
What is the main argument of the Dominance Approach in language studies?
The Dominance Approach proposes that men are naturally more dominant than women, and that women act in a less dominant way around men.
According to Jespersen's Deficit Approach, what are some characteristics of women's language use?
Jespersen believed that women talk a lot, use half-finished sentences, and use adjectives like 'pretty' and 'nice' often, and that they have a smaller vocabulary than men.
What is the Muted Group Theory, and who founded it?
The Muted Group Theory suggests that certain minorities in a society have much less power than others and, as a consequence of this lack of power, they are silenced as no one wishes to listen to them. The theory was founded by Shirley and Edwin Ardener in 1975.
What is the main idea behind Lakoff's Dominance Theory, and what areas of language use does it focus on?
Lakoff's Dominance Theory argues that language is fundamental to gender inequality and it could contribute to the lack of women's power in two areas: language used about women and the language used by women.
What is the main difference between the Dominance Approach and the Difference Approach in language studies?
The Dominance Approach proposes that men are naturally more dominant than women, while the Difference Approach suggests that male and female individuals' lifestyles are often presented as being different.
How does the Muted Group Theory relate to the study of language and power?
The Muted Group Theory suggests that certain minorities in a society have much less power than others, and as a consequence, they are silenced, which is relevant to the study of language and power dynamics.
What is the main critique of Jespersen's Deficit Approach?
Jespersen's Deficit Approach is criticized for stereotyping women's language use and implying that women are less capable or inferior to men in terms of language use.
How does the Standpoint Theory relate to the study of women's language use?
The Standpoint Theory suggests that studies about women, including their language, should be practiced from the point of view of women, recognizing that women's lives and experiences are significantly different from those of men.
What is the main idea behind the Difference Approach in language studies?
The Difference Approach suggests that male and female individuals' lifestyles are often presented as being different, and that men and women use language for different outcomes.
What is a distinct characteristic of women's speech according to Lakoff's theory?
Using hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation, and speaking in a higher pitch range.
What is the main argument of O'Barr and Atkins' Diversity Approach?
That language differences are situation-specific and rely on who has the authority and power in a conversation, rather than the gender of the people involved.
What does Wareing's theory of Language and Power propose?
There are three types of power: Personal, Social, and Institutional.
What is a characteristic of women's language according to Lakoff's theory?
Using question intonation in declarative statements, and making declarative statements into questions by raising the pitch of their voice at the end of a statement.
What is the significance of O'Barr and Atkins' study of courtroom cases?
It challenged the theory that language differences are due to gender, and instead suggested that they are due to power dynamics.
What is an example of a 'women's language' component according to Lakoff's theory?
Using hedges, such as 'I think that…'.
What is the main finding of O'Barr and Atkins' study?
The quoted speech patterns were 'neither characteristic of all women, nor limited to only women'.
What is the significance of the phrase 'speak in italics' in Lakoff's theory?
It refers to women's use of a greater range of intonation, emphasizing certain words or phrases.
What is the relationship between power and language according to O'Barr and Atkins' Diversity Approach?
Language differences are influenced by power dynamics, with those in positions of power using fewer 'women's language' components.
What is the significance of Lakoff's theory in the context of language and power?
It highlights the importance of understanding language patterns and their relationship to power dynamics.
What is the primary goal of the Communication Accommodation Theory, as proposed by Howard Giles?
To accommodate others by changing one's speech, vocal patterns, and gestures in order to appear similar to them
What is the key idea behind the Universalism theory of language and thought?
All languages are similar and reflect human thoughts, and all humans share the same cognitive processes
How does the official language of 'Newspeak' in the novel control the thoughts of its speakers?
By limiting the lexis and removing words that express dissatisfaction, making it impossible for people to rebel against the rulers
What is the main difference between the conversational styles of men and women, according to Deborah Tannen's research?
Men tend to focus on giving and receiving information, whereas women tend to focus on building and reinforcing cooperative relationships
What is the Boas-Jakobson principle, and how does it relate to language and thought?
It suggests that every thought can be expressed in every language, albeit with differing required bits of information
What is the primary focus of the Genderlect Theory, as proposed by Deborah Tannen?
Gender differences in conversational style, particularly in Western societies
How does the concept of 'Newspeak' in the novel illustrate the idea that language controls thought?
By limiting the language to prevent the expression of dissentient thoughts and ideas
What is the main limitation of the Communication Accommodation Theory, according to critics?
It overlooks the complexity of human communication and the many factors that influence language use
How does the Universalism theory of language and thought relate to the concept of cognitive processes?
It suggests that all humans share the same cognitive processes, which are reflected in language
What is the key implication of the Genderlect Theory for our understanding of language and gender?
It highlights the importance of considering the social and cultural contexts in which language is used, and how these contexts shape our understanding of gender
The Inner Circle consists of countries where English is the second language.
False
The Expanding Circle has approximately 500-1000 million English speakers.
True
Kachru's Circles model consists of only two circles.
False
In the Outer Circle, English is used as a native language.
False
The Inner Circle has approximately 320-380 million English speakers.
True
The Outer Circle has an estimated 500-1000 million English speakers.
False
The Outer Circle represents countries where English is the primary language.
False
The Expanding Circle includes countries where English plays a historical or governmental role.
False
Chinglish is a mix of Chinese and English languages.
True
Standard British English is the only standard for English language norms.
False
The Inner Circle is norm-developing.
False
The Expanding Circle is norm-providing.
False
English is not used as a medium of international communication in the Expanding Circle.
False
Kachru's Circles model is only historically relevant.
False
The Outer Circle is norm-dependent.
False
Jennifer Jenkins believes that there are likely to be more Chinese speakers of English than of any other variety.
True
The term 'New Englishes' was first coined by Robert Philipson to describe varieties of English which have developed in different countries.
False
Language Imperialism is the process of language development through native language speakers.
False
According to Paul Grice's Conversational Maxims, it is essential to make your contribution to the conversation as short as possible.
False
The cooperative principle in conversation implies that people wish to express irrelevant information in a clear manner.
False
Conversational Face theory was initiated by Paul Grice in 1975.
False
Negative politeness is used to threaten the listener's face.
False
In New Englishes, English is the only medium for communication.
False
Robert Philipson's Language Imperialism theory explains that the dominance of one language leads to the enrichment of the dominated language's culture.
False
According to Paul Grice's Conversational Maxims, one should always be brief and to the point in conversation.
True
The rise of social media has led to a decrease in divergence from the maxims of conversation.
False
Conversational Face is a theory that explains the speaker's sense of his or her own linguistic image and worth.
True
The word ‘no’ is used more often than ‘yes but’ in disagreements.
False
According to Brown & Levinson, politeness is only about being negative.
False
Robin Lakoff provided only one maxim for polite speech.
False
According to the Politeness Principle, the goal is to impose on others.
False
Descartes believed that language acquisition was a natural ability.
True
Behaviourism Theory suggests that language is learned through observation and imitation.
True
Empiricism theory suggests that our sense of self-identity comes from innate ideas.
False
Innatism theory suggests that language is learned through experience.
False
Cognitive Abilities Creating Language theory suggests that language is separate from cognitive skills.
False
Conversational success is less likely to occur where strategies which take account of the relative status of each participant are employed.
False
The blank slate or tabula rasa theory suggests that the mind is born with ideas.
False
Noam Chomsky's theory of language acquisition is based on the idea of linguistic determinism.
False
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that language determines the way we think.
True
The Boas-Jakobson principle is a criticism of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.
False
George Orwell's novel 1984 demonstrates the idea that language can be used to restrict thought in totalitarian systems.
True
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that language influences people's views of their world, but does not determine it.
False
The Inuit tribes of the Arctic have three words for different properties of snow.
True
Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf developed the theory of linguistic reflection.
False
Plato and Descartes were innatists, believing that ideas were in the mind at birth and given by a supreme being.
True
In the novel, the removal of the word ‘bad’ and its replacement with ‘ungood’ is a demonstration of the Boas-Jakobson Principle.
False
The theory of universalism suggests that language is a reflection of human thoughts and that all languages are different.
False
Guy Deutscher's book Through the Looking Glass explains the Boas-Jakobson principle.
False
According to the Communication Accommodation Theory, individuals change their speech to accommodate others during interactions.
True
The Genderlect Theory suggests that men and women use similar conversational styles.
False
Deborah Tannen's research on conversational styles found that men and women use similar strategies to avoid conflict.
False
The theory of universalism suggests that language is a reflection of human thoughts and that all languages are similar because humans share the same cognitive processes.
True
Research studies supporting the similarity of language thought processes have centred on different societies' perception of music.
False
The Boas-Jakobson Principle suggests that language controls thought.
False
The anthropologist Rik Pinxten developed the theory of universalism in the 1950s.
False
Deborah Tannen's research on conversational styles found that women tend to focus on giving and receiving information.
False
Standpoint Theory suggests that men and women have the same type of knowledge.
False
The Muted Group Theory was founded by Harding and Wood.
False
According to the Dominance Approach, men and women use language for the same outcomes.
False
Women speak more frequently than men in a conversation.
False
The Difference Approach suggests that men and women have different lifestyles and use language for different outcomes.
True
Otto Jespersen believed that women have a larger vocabulary than men.
False
Men use more hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation than women.
False
O'Barr and Atkins' study found that language differences are solely due to gender.
False
Robin Lakoff argued that language is fundamental to gender inequality.
True
Women use fewer intensifiers, such as 'very' and 'so', than men.
False
Jespersen believed that women are more fluent in speaking than men.
True
Men apologize more than women in a conversation.
False
Standpoint Theory suggests that men’s lives and experiences are significantly different from those of women.
False
Lakoff's theory states that language differences are due to power and authority, rather than gender.
False
The Dominance Approach suggests that women are naturally more dominant than men.
False
Lakoff argued that there are certain features of women’s language that give the impression women are stronger and more certain than men.
False
Women use more euphemisms than men in a conversation.
True
Norman Fairclough introduced the concept of Discourse Communities.
False
O'Barr and Atkins' study found that women who used the highest frequency of 'women's language' traits had a low social status.
False
Power behind Discourse refers to how language used reflects the power relationships between speakers.
False
Men use more tag questions, such as 'aren't you?', than women.
False
Wareing's theory of language and power states that there are only two types of power: personal and social.
False
Discourse Communities are groups of people who share the same occupation but not necessarily share specialist knowledge.
False
Age is no longer a significant social variable in modern society.
False
The term 'Discourse Communities' was coined to emphasize the importance of occupation in professional communities.
False
Power in Discourse refers to how speakers use language to manage topics and ask questions.
False
Study Notes
Kachru's Circles
- Braj Kachru's model (1985) classifies the ways English is used throughout the world.
- The model consists of three circles:
- Inner Circle: English is the native language, or mother tongue, of most people in these countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking regions of Canada and South Africa).
- Outer Circle: English is regarded as a second language in these regions, where much of the administration is through the medium of English, mainly as a colonial legacy (e.g. India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tanzania, Singapore, Kenya, and Afrikaans-speaking regions of South Africa).
- Expanding Circle: English plays no historical or governmental role, but is widely used as a medium of international communication (e.g. China, Russia, Japan, most of Europe, Korea, Egypt, and Indonesia).
New Englishes
- The term "New Englishes" was coined by Platt, Weber, and Ho to describe varieties of English developed in different countries.
- These varieties have developed their own lexis, pronunciation, and syntax.
- New Englishes exist alongside other local languages and are used as a common medium for communication.
Language Imperialism
- Robert Philipson described Language Imperialism as the dominance of one language over another.
- It causes the imperial language to gain control of a country's political, economic, and social institutions.
- This can lead to the decline and death of a language, resulting in the impoverishment of its culture.
Conversational Maxims
- Paul Grice established the guidelines for conversational maxims in 1975.
- The maxims are:
- Quantity: Be informative, but not too informative.
- Relation: Be relevant.
- Quality: Be truthful and have evidence.
- Manner: Be clear, polite, and respectful.
Conversational Face
- The concept of conversational face was initiated by Erving Goffman (1967) and developed by Brown and Levinson (1987).
- It refers to each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth.
- Speakers may use positive politeness (e.g. compliments) or negative politeness (e.g. mitigating requests) to manage face-threatening acts.
Theories of Language and Thought
- Theories of language and thought include:
- Historical Background Theory (Descartes): Language acquisition is part of a person's general ability to reason.
- Behaviourism Theory (John Watson, 1913): Language acquisition is based on observation and imitation.
- Empiricism (John Locke, 1690): Knowledge and language come from experience and senses.
- Innatism (Plato, ~300BCE and Descartes, ~1620): The mind is born with innate ideas.
- Nativism (Noam Chomsky): The individual is born with genetic abilities that include language development.
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
- The hypothesis, developed by Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in 1929, suggests that language directly shapes thought.
- It states that language determines the way we think, and a society is confined by its language.
- Criticisms of the hypothesis include issues with data collection and conclusions.
Other Theories
- The Boas-Jakobson Principle (1950s): Every thought can be expressed in every language, but languages differ in required information.
- Universalism (1960s, Rik Pinxten, 2011): Language is a reflection of human thoughts, and all languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts.
- Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) (Howard Giles, 1973): Individuals change their speech and language to accommodate others.
- The Genderlect Theory (Deborah Tannen, 1990): Men and women have different conversational styles, which are influenced by their social roles and status.### Gender and Language
- Tannen's research on conversational styles:
- Men's conversation: giving and receiving information, asserting independence, and displaying status
- Women's conversation: building and reinforcing cooperative relationships, negotiating, and compromising
- Characteristics of men's conversation:
- Assertive with no strategies to avoid conflict
- Focus on giving and receiving information
- Characteristics of women's conversation:
- Cooperative and negotiating
- Focus on building relationships and compromising
Other Theories of Gender and Language
- Standpoint Theory (Harding and Wood, 1970s-1980s):
- Studies on women should be practiced from the point of view of women
- Women's lives and experiences are significantly different from men's, leading to a different type of knowledge
- Muted Group Theory (Shirley and Edwin Ardener, 1975; Cheris Kramarae, 1975):
- Minorities in a society have less power and are silenced
- Women are dominated by male status and power in many societies
Dominance and Difference Approaches
- Dominance Approach:
- Men are naturally more dominant than women
- Women act in a less dominant way around men
- Difference Approach:
- Male and female individuals have different lifestyles and communication styles
- Men and women use language for different outcomes
Deficit Approach (Otto Jespersen)
- Women's language:
- Talk a lot and use half-finished sentences
- Use 'and' to link sentences
- Use adjectives like 'pretty' and 'nice'
- Use adverbs frequently and tend towards hyperbole
- Have a smaller vocabulary than men
- Are more fluent in speaking and less hesitant than men
- Novels written by women:
- Easier to read due to simpler words and terminology
- Women's language in foreign languages:
- Gain spoken mastery more easily than men
- But men are superior in translating difficult texts
Dominance Theory (Robin Lakoff, 1975)
- Language is fundamental to gender inequality
- Women's language features:
- Speak less frequently
- Use minimal responses like 'mm' and 'yeah'
- Speak more quietly and use a higher pitch range
- Use hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation
- Use a greater range of intonation
- Overuse qualifiers and hedge using phrases
- Apologize more and use tag questions
- Have a special lexicon and use more emotional evaluations
- Use more intensifiers and adjectives to describe approximate amounts
Diversity Approach (William O'Barr and Bowman Atkins, 1980)
- Language differences are situation-specific and rely on power dynamics
- Challenged Lakoff's theory that language differences are due to gender
- Studied courtroom cases and found that "women's language" components are not specific to women, but rather to powerless individuals
Theories about Power in Language
- Language and Power (Wareing):
- Three types of power: Personal, Political, and Social Group
- Power can derive from occupation, role, or social variables
- Power behind Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Current situation of speakers affects power asymmetry
- Example: interviewer has a more dominant role in conversation
- Power in Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Language used reflects power relationships between speakers
- Example: using 'sir' or not in a conversation
- Discourse Communities (Swales):
- Members of a professional community acquire language features of the group
- Community uses a specialist lexis due to shared specialist knowledge
Kachru's Circles
- Braj Kachru's model (1985) classifies the ways English is used throughout the world.
- The model consists of three circles:
- Inner Circle: English is the native language, or mother tongue, of most people in these countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking regions of Canada and South Africa).
- Outer Circle: English is regarded as a second language in these regions, where much of the administration is through the medium of English, mainly as a colonial legacy (e.g. India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tanzania, Singapore, Kenya, and Afrikaans-speaking regions of South Africa).
- Expanding Circle: English plays no historical or governmental role, but is widely used as a medium of international communication (e.g. China, Russia, Japan, most of Europe, Korea, Egypt, and Indonesia).
New Englishes
- The term "New Englishes" was coined by Platt, Weber, and Ho to describe varieties of English developed in different countries.
- These varieties have developed their own lexis, pronunciation, and syntax.
- New Englishes exist alongside other local languages and are used as a common medium for communication.
Language Imperialism
- Robert Philipson described Language Imperialism as the dominance of one language over another.
- It causes the imperial language to gain control of a country's political, economic, and social institutions.
- This can lead to the decline and death of a language, resulting in the impoverishment of its culture.
Conversational Maxims
- Paul Grice established the guidelines for conversational maxims in 1975.
- The maxims are:
- Quantity: Be informative, but not too informative.
- Relation: Be relevant.
- Quality: Be truthful and have evidence.
- Manner: Be clear, polite, and respectful.
Conversational Face
- The concept of conversational face was initiated by Erving Goffman (1967) and developed by Brown and Levinson (1987).
- It refers to each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth.
- Speakers may use positive politeness (e.g. compliments) or negative politeness (e.g. mitigating requests) to manage face-threatening acts.
Theories of Language and Thought
- Theories of language and thought include:
- Historical Background Theory (Descartes): Language acquisition is part of a person's general ability to reason.
- Behaviourism Theory (John Watson, 1913): Language acquisition is based on observation and imitation.
- Empiricism (John Locke, 1690): Knowledge and language come from experience and senses.
- Innatism (Plato, ~300BCE and Descartes, ~1620): The mind is born with innate ideas.
- Nativism (Noam Chomsky): The individual is born with genetic abilities that include language development.
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
- The hypothesis, developed by Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in 1929, suggests that language directly shapes thought.
- It states that language determines the way we think, and a society is confined by its language.
- Criticisms of the hypothesis include issues with data collection and conclusions.
Other Theories
- The Boas-Jakobson Principle (1950s): Every thought can be expressed in every language, but languages differ in required information.
- Universalism (1960s, Rik Pinxten, 2011): Language is a reflection of human thoughts, and all languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts.
- Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) (Howard Giles, 1973): Individuals change their speech and language to accommodate others.
- The Genderlect Theory (Deborah Tannen, 1990): Men and women have different conversational styles, which are influenced by their social roles and status.### Gender and Language
- Tannen's research on conversational styles:
- Men's conversation: giving and receiving information, asserting independence, and displaying status
- Women's conversation: building and reinforcing cooperative relationships, negotiating, and compromising
- Characteristics of men's conversation:
- Assertive with no strategies to avoid conflict
- Focus on giving and receiving information
- Characteristics of women's conversation:
- Cooperative and negotiating
- Focus on building relationships and compromising
Other Theories of Gender and Language
- Standpoint Theory (Harding and Wood, 1970s-1980s):
- Studies on women should be practiced from the point of view of women
- Women's lives and experiences are significantly different from men's, leading to a different type of knowledge
- Muted Group Theory (Shirley and Edwin Ardener, 1975; Cheris Kramarae, 1975):
- Minorities in a society have less power and are silenced
- Women are dominated by male status and power in many societies
Dominance and Difference Approaches
- Dominance Approach:
- Men are naturally more dominant than women
- Women act in a less dominant way around men
- Difference Approach:
- Male and female individuals have different lifestyles and communication styles
- Men and women use language for different outcomes
Deficit Approach (Otto Jespersen)
- Women's language:
- Talk a lot and use half-finished sentences
- Use 'and' to link sentences
- Use adjectives like 'pretty' and 'nice'
- Use adverbs frequently and tend towards hyperbole
- Have a smaller vocabulary than men
- Are more fluent in speaking and less hesitant than men
- Novels written by women:
- Easier to read due to simpler words and terminology
- Women's language in foreign languages:
- Gain spoken mastery more easily than men
- But men are superior in translating difficult texts
Dominance Theory (Robin Lakoff, 1975)
- Language is fundamental to gender inequality
- Women's language features:
- Speak less frequently
- Use minimal responses like 'mm' and 'yeah'
- Speak more quietly and use a higher pitch range
- Use hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation
- Use a greater range of intonation
- Overuse qualifiers and hedge using phrases
- Apologize more and use tag questions
- Have a special lexicon and use more emotional evaluations
- Use more intensifiers and adjectives to describe approximate amounts
Diversity Approach (William O'Barr and Bowman Atkins, 1980)
- Language differences are situation-specific and rely on power dynamics
- Challenged Lakoff's theory that language differences are due to gender
- Studied courtroom cases and found that "women's language" components are not specific to women, but rather to powerless individuals
Theories about Power in Language
- Language and Power (Wareing):
- Three types of power: Personal, Political, and Social Group
- Power can derive from occupation, role, or social variables
- Power behind Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Current situation of speakers affects power asymmetry
- Example: interviewer has a more dominant role in conversation
- Power in Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Language used reflects power relationships between speakers
- Example: using 'sir' or not in a conversation
- Discourse Communities (Swales):
- Members of a professional community acquire language features of the group
- Community uses a specialist lexis due to shared specialist knowledge
Kachru's Circles
- Braj Kachru's model (1985) classifies the ways English is used throughout the world.
- The model consists of three circles:
- Inner Circle: English is the native language, or mother tongue, of most people in these countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking regions of Canada and South Africa).
- Outer Circle: English is regarded as a second language in these regions, where much of the administration is through the medium of English, mainly as a colonial legacy (e.g. India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tanzania, Singapore, Kenya, and Afrikaans-speaking regions of South Africa).
- Expanding Circle: English plays no historical or governmental role, but is widely used as a medium of international communication (e.g. China, Russia, Japan, most of Europe, Korea, Egypt, and Indonesia).
New Englishes
- The term "New Englishes" was coined by Platt, Weber, and Ho to describe varieties of English developed in different countries.
- These varieties have developed their own lexis, pronunciation, and syntax.
- New Englishes exist alongside other local languages and are used as a common medium for communication.
Language Imperialism
- Robert Philipson described Language Imperialism as the dominance of one language over another.
- It causes the imperial language to gain control of a country's political, economic, and social institutions.
- This can lead to the decline and death of a language, resulting in the impoverishment of its culture.
Conversational Maxims
- Paul Grice established the guidelines for conversational maxims in 1975.
- The maxims are:
- Quantity: Be informative, but not too informative.
- Relation: Be relevant.
- Quality: Be truthful and have evidence.
- Manner: Be clear, polite, and respectful.
Conversational Face
- The concept of conversational face was initiated by Erving Goffman (1967) and developed by Brown and Levinson (1987).
- It refers to each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth.
- Speakers may use positive politeness (e.g. compliments) or negative politeness (e.g. mitigating requests) to manage face-threatening acts.
Theories of Language and Thought
- Theories of language and thought include:
- Historical Background Theory (Descartes): Language acquisition is part of a person's general ability to reason.
- Behaviourism Theory (John Watson, 1913): Language acquisition is based on observation and imitation.
- Empiricism (John Locke, 1690): Knowledge and language come from experience and senses.
- Innatism (Plato, ~300BCE and Descartes, ~1620): The mind is born with innate ideas.
- Nativism (Noam Chomsky): The individual is born with genetic abilities that include language development.
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
- The hypothesis, developed by Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in 1929, suggests that language directly shapes thought.
- It states that language determines the way we think, and a society is confined by its language.
- Criticisms of the hypothesis include issues with data collection and conclusions.
Other Theories
- The Boas-Jakobson Principle (1950s): Every thought can be expressed in every language, but languages differ in required information.
- Universalism (1960s, Rik Pinxten, 2011): Language is a reflection of human thoughts, and all languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts.
- Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) (Howard Giles, 1973): Individuals change their speech and language to accommodate others.
- The Genderlect Theory (Deborah Tannen, 1990): Men and women have different conversational styles, which are influenced by their social roles and status.### Gender and Language
- Tannen's research on conversational styles:
- Men's conversation: giving and receiving information, asserting independence, and displaying status
- Women's conversation: building and reinforcing cooperative relationships, negotiating, and compromising
- Characteristics of men's conversation:
- Assertive with no strategies to avoid conflict
- Focus on giving and receiving information
- Characteristics of women's conversation:
- Cooperative and negotiating
- Focus on building relationships and compromising
Other Theories of Gender and Language
- Standpoint Theory (Harding and Wood, 1970s-1980s):
- Studies on women should be practiced from the point of view of women
- Women's lives and experiences are significantly different from men's, leading to a different type of knowledge
- Muted Group Theory (Shirley and Edwin Ardener, 1975; Cheris Kramarae, 1975):
- Minorities in a society have less power and are silenced
- Women are dominated by male status and power in many societies
Dominance and Difference Approaches
- Dominance Approach:
- Men are naturally more dominant than women
- Women act in a less dominant way around men
- Difference Approach:
- Male and female individuals have different lifestyles and communication styles
- Men and women use language for different outcomes
Deficit Approach (Otto Jespersen)
- Women's language:
- Talk a lot and use half-finished sentences
- Use 'and' to link sentences
- Use adjectives like 'pretty' and 'nice'
- Use adverbs frequently and tend towards hyperbole
- Have a smaller vocabulary than men
- Are more fluent in speaking and less hesitant than men
- Novels written by women:
- Easier to read due to simpler words and terminology
- Women's language in foreign languages:
- Gain spoken mastery more easily than men
- But men are superior in translating difficult texts
Dominance Theory (Robin Lakoff, 1975)
- Language is fundamental to gender inequality
- Women's language features:
- Speak less frequently
- Use minimal responses like 'mm' and 'yeah'
- Speak more quietly and use a higher pitch range
- Use hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation
- Use a greater range of intonation
- Overuse qualifiers and hedge using phrases
- Apologize more and use tag questions
- Have a special lexicon and use more emotional evaluations
- Use more intensifiers and adjectives to describe approximate amounts
Diversity Approach (William O'Barr and Bowman Atkins, 1980)
- Language differences are situation-specific and rely on power dynamics
- Challenged Lakoff's theory that language differences are due to gender
- Studied courtroom cases and found that "women's language" components are not specific to women, but rather to powerless individuals
Theories about Power in Language
- Language and Power (Wareing):
- Three types of power: Personal, Political, and Social Group
- Power can derive from occupation, role, or social variables
- Power behind Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Current situation of speakers affects power asymmetry
- Example: interviewer has a more dominant role in conversation
- Power in Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Language used reflects power relationships between speakers
- Example: using 'sir' or not in a conversation
- Discourse Communities (Swales):
- Members of a professional community acquire language features of the group
- Community uses a specialist lexis due to shared specialist knowledge
Kachru's Circles
- Braj Kachru's model (1985) classifies the ways English is used throughout the world.
- The model consists of three circles:
- Inner Circle: English is the native language, or mother tongue, of most people in these countries (e.g. USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking regions of Canada and South Africa).
- Outer Circle: English is regarded as a second language in these regions, where much of the administration is through the medium of English, mainly as a colonial legacy (e.g. India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tanzania, Singapore, Kenya, and Afrikaans-speaking regions of South Africa).
- Expanding Circle: English plays no historical or governmental role, but is widely used as a medium of international communication (e.g. China, Russia, Japan, most of Europe, Korea, Egypt, and Indonesia).
New Englishes
- The term "New Englishes" was coined by Platt, Weber, and Ho to describe varieties of English developed in different countries.
- These varieties have developed their own lexis, pronunciation, and syntax.
- New Englishes exist alongside other local languages and are used as a common medium for communication.
Language Imperialism
- Robert Philipson described Language Imperialism as the dominance of one language over another.
- It causes the imperial language to gain control of a country's political, economic, and social institutions.
- This can lead to the decline and death of a language, resulting in the impoverishment of its culture.
Conversational Maxims
- Paul Grice established the guidelines for conversational maxims in 1975.
- The maxims are:
- Quantity: Be informative, but not too informative.
- Relation: Be relevant.
- Quality: Be truthful and have evidence.
- Manner: Be clear, polite, and respectful.
Conversational Face
- The concept of conversational face was initiated by Erving Goffman (1967) and developed by Brown and Levinson (1987).
- It refers to each speaker's sense of their own linguistic image and worth.
- Speakers may use positive politeness (e.g. compliments) or negative politeness (e.g. mitigating requests) to manage face-threatening acts.
Theories of Language and Thought
- Theories of language and thought include:
- Historical Background Theory (Descartes): Language acquisition is part of a person's general ability to reason.
- Behaviourism Theory (John Watson, 1913): Language acquisition is based on observation and imitation.
- Empiricism (John Locke, 1690): Knowledge and language come from experience and senses.
- Innatism (Plato, ~300BCE and Descartes, ~1620): The mind is born with innate ideas.
- Nativism (Noam Chomsky): The individual is born with genetic abilities that include language development.
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
- The hypothesis, developed by Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in 1929, suggests that language directly shapes thought.
- It states that language determines the way we think, and a society is confined by its language.
- Criticisms of the hypothesis include issues with data collection and conclusions.
Other Theories
- The Boas-Jakobson Principle (1950s): Every thought can be expressed in every language, but languages differ in required information.
- Universalism (1960s, Rik Pinxten, 2011): Language is a reflection of human thoughts, and all languages are similar with shared patterns and concepts.
- Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) (Howard Giles, 1973): Individuals change their speech and language to accommodate others.
- The Genderlect Theory (Deborah Tannen, 1990): Men and women have different conversational styles, which are influenced by their social roles and status.### Gender and Language
- Tannen's research on conversational styles:
- Men's conversation: giving and receiving information, asserting independence, and displaying status
- Women's conversation: building and reinforcing cooperative relationships, negotiating, and compromising
- Characteristics of men's conversation:
- Assertive with no strategies to avoid conflict
- Focus on giving and receiving information
- Characteristics of women's conversation:
- Cooperative and negotiating
- Focus on building relationships and compromising
Other Theories of Gender and Language
- Standpoint Theory (Harding and Wood, 1970s-1980s):
- Studies on women should be practiced from the point of view of women
- Women's lives and experiences are significantly different from men's, leading to a different type of knowledge
- Muted Group Theory (Shirley and Edwin Ardener, 1975; Cheris Kramarae, 1975):
- Minorities in a society have less power and are silenced
- Women are dominated by male status and power in many societies
Dominance and Difference Approaches
- Dominance Approach:
- Men are naturally more dominant than women
- Women act in a less dominant way around men
- Difference Approach:
- Male and female individuals have different lifestyles and communication styles
- Men and women use language for different outcomes
Deficit Approach (Otto Jespersen)
- Women's language:
- Talk a lot and use half-finished sentences
- Use 'and' to link sentences
- Use adjectives like 'pretty' and 'nice'
- Use adverbs frequently and tend towards hyperbole
- Have a smaller vocabulary than men
- Are more fluent in speaking and less hesitant than men
- Novels written by women:
- Easier to read due to simpler words and terminology
- Women's language in foreign languages:
- Gain spoken mastery more easily than men
- But men are superior in translating difficult texts
Dominance Theory (Robin Lakoff, 1975)
- Language is fundamental to gender inequality
- Women's language features:
- Speak less frequently
- Use minimal responses like 'mm' and 'yeah'
- Speak more quietly and use a higher pitch range
- Use hyper-correct grammar and pronunciation
- Use a greater range of intonation
- Overuse qualifiers and hedge using phrases
- Apologize more and use tag questions
- Have a special lexicon and use more emotional evaluations
- Use more intensifiers and adjectives to describe approximate amounts
Diversity Approach (William O'Barr and Bowman Atkins, 1980)
- Language differences are situation-specific and rely on power dynamics
- Challenged Lakoff's theory that language differences are due to gender
- Studied courtroom cases and found that "women's language" components are not specific to women, but rather to powerless individuals
Theories about Power in Language
- Language and Power (Wareing):
- Three types of power: Personal, Political, and Social Group
- Power can derive from occupation, role, or social variables
- Power behind Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Current situation of speakers affects power asymmetry
- Example: interviewer has a more dominant role in conversation
- Power in Discourse (Norman Fairclough):
- Language used reflects power relationships between speakers
- Example: using 'sir' or not in a conversation
- Discourse Communities (Swales):
- Members of a professional community acquire language features of the group
- Community uses a specialist lexis due to shared specialist knowledge
Understand Braj Kachru's model of English language usage worldwide, comprising the Inner Circle and Outer Circle. Test your knowledge of English language distribution globally.
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