Basic Terms

Question 1

Register

Answer 1

The relative formality of a text or piece of discourse

Question 2

What does a high register mean?

Answer 2

Prestige e.g an interview

Question 3

What does mid- register?

Answer 3

Colloquial, conversational

Question 4

What does low register mean?

Answer 4

Taboo

Question 5

Perforation

Answer 5

When a word becomes less acceptable

Question 6

Amelioration

Answer 6

When a word becomes more acceptable

Question 7

Etymology

Answer 7

The study of the origin of words

Question 8

Lexis

Answer 8

All the words in a language

Question 9

Semantics

Answer 9

The study of meaning

Question 10

Syntax

Answer 10

Sentences

Question 11

Accent

Answer 11

Distinctive system of pronunciation related to regionality, social class, culture, ethnicity

Question 12

Dialect

Answer 12

System of grammatical conventions and lexis related to regionality, social class and culture

Question 13

What is the dominant dialect?

Answer 13

Standard English

Question 14

What is the dominant theory?

Answer 14

That men seek to dominate and women are subservient

Question 15

What is the difference theory (3 examples)

Answer 15

The theory of how men and women are different

1. Statues vs Support
2. Advice vs Understanding
3. Information vs feeling
4. Orders vs proposals
5. Conflict vs peace keeping
6. Independence s intimacy

Question 16

What are Grice’s three maxims?

Answer 16

Quality
Manner
Relevance

Question 17

What does convergence mean?

Answer 17

The habit of modifying our speech depending on who we are talking to

Question 18

What are 3 examples of convergence in conversation

Answer 18

1. Changing from standard English to a dialect
2. Modify accent
3. Change register and lexical choices

Question 19

What is upwards and downwards convergence?

Answer 19

One speaker becomes more formal/ less formal while the other person stays the same

Question 20

What is mutual convergence

Answer 20

Both speakers adapt to each other