1.
What are phonemes?
Correct Answer
D. The minimal contrasts or differences that distinguish the meaning of sounds in a language
Explanation
Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can change the meaning of a word. They are the minimal contrasts or differences that distinguish the meaning of sounds in a language. For example, in English, the words "cat" and "bat" differ only in the initial phoneme /k/ and /b/, which changes the meaning of the word. Phonemes are essential for understanding and producing speech in a language.
2.
How many morphemes are in the sentence "They walked to both houses"?
Correct Answer
C. 7
Explanation
The sentence "They walked to both houses" consists of seven morphemes. "They" is one morpheme, "walk" is another morpheme, "to" is one more morpheme, "both" is a separate morpheme, and "houses" is also a morpheme. Therefore, the total count of morphemes in the sentence is seven.
3.
When Washoe and Lucy tried to teach sign language to other chimpanzees, this was a kind of
Correct Answer
A. Cultural transmission
Explanation
When Washoe and Lucy attempted to teach sign language to other chimpanzees, it can be seen as a form of cultural transmission. Cultural transmission refers to the passing of knowledge, skills, or behaviors from one generation to another through social learning. In this case, Washoe and Lucy, who had acquired sign language skills, were trying to pass on this knowledge to other chimpanzees, indicating a transfer of cultural information within their group.
4.
What is the term for the ability to create new expressions by combining other expressions?
Correct Answer
C. Productivity
Explanation
Productivity refers to the ability to create new expressions by combining other expressions. It is the linguistic phenomenon that allows speakers to generate an infinite number of novel and meaningful utterances using a finite set of rules and resources. This ability is essential for language users to convey new ideas and thoughts effectively.
5.
What is the term for the ability to refer to things not physically present?
Correct Answer
A. Displacement
Explanation
Displacement refers to the ability to refer to things that are not physically present. This means that language allows us to talk about things that are not in our immediate surroundings or time frame. For example, we can discuss past events, future plans, or even hypothetical situations. Displacement is a crucial aspect of human language that sets it apart from other forms of communication.
6.
What term refers to the specialized set of terms and distinctions that are particularly important to certain groups?
Correct Answer
C. Focal vocabulary
Explanation
Focal vocabulary refers to the specialized set of terms and distinctions that are particularly important to certain groups. It includes words, phrases, and concepts that are unique to a specific culture, profession, or social group. This vocabulary allows individuals within the group to communicate effectively and convey specific meanings that may not be easily understood by outsiders.
7.
What does the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis state?
Correct Answer
B. The language people speak influences the way their cultural understandings are structured
Explanation
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis states that the language people speak influences the way their cultural understandings are structured. This means that the structure and vocabulary of a language can shape the way individuals think, perceive the world, and understand concepts. Language acts as a lens through which individuals interpret and make sense of their experiences and culture. This hypothesis suggests that different languages may lead to different cultural perspectives and understandings.
8.
Honorifics are terms used with people, often being added to their names, to "honor" them. Why would sociolinguists be interested in studying the use of honorifics?
Correct Answer
A. They may convey or imply a prestige difference between the speaker and the person being referred to or addressed
Explanation
Sociolinguists would be interested in studying the use of honorifics because they may convey or imply a prestige difference between the speaker and the person being referred to or addressed. This analysis allows sociolinguists to understand social hierarchies and power dynamics within a given culture or society. By studying honorifics, sociolinguists can gain insights into how language and culture intersect and how individuals use language to establish and maintain social relationships.
9.
What does copula deletion occur in BEV?
Correct Answer
A. It occurs where SE has contracitons
Explanation
Copula deletion occurs in Black English Vernacular (BEV) where "SE" (Standard English) has contractions. This means that in certain instances, the copula verb "is" or "are" is omitted in BEV when using contractions. This phenomenon is specific to the use of contractions and does not occur randomly, in the past or future tense, or in SE.
10.
What term refers to the languages that have descended from the same ancestral language?
Correct Answer
C. Daughter languages
Explanation
The term "daughter languages" refers to the languages that have descended from the same ancestral language. It implies that these languages have evolved and developed separately over time, but share a common origin. This term is commonly used in linguistics to describe the relationship between related languages and their historical connections.