English Language Test Flashcards
How would you define the study of sociolinguistics ?
Sociolinguistics is the study of how language interacts with society, including how social factors like culture, class, gender, and geography .
What is a descriptivist mindset and why is it important to adopt one ?
A descriptivist mindset means observing and analysing how language is actually used, rather than judging how it should be used.
What is a accents?
An accent is the way a person pronounces words, often influenced by their region, country, or social background.
What is dialect ?
A dialect is a variety of a language that has its own unique words, grammar, and pronunciation, usually spoken in a specific region or by a particular group.
What is the difference between accents and dialect?
An accent is how words are pronounced, while a dialect includes not just pronunciation but also vocabulary and grammar.
Define g-dropping and an example ?
G-dropping is the pronunciation of words ending in “-ing” without the final /ɡ/ sound (e.g., saying runnin’ instead of running).
What is a sociolect ?
A sociolect is a variety of language spoken by a specific social group, influenced by factors like class, profession, age, or ethnicity.
What is the difference between Standard English and RP
Standard English is a widely accepted form of English used in writing, education, and formal settings.
Received Pronunciation (RP) is a specific British accent associated with prestige and traditionally linked to the upper class and southern England.
Define Lexical variation?
Lexical variation refers to differences in word choice and vocabulary used by speakers of the same language based on factors like region, social group, or context.
Define Phonological variation ?
Differences in pronunciation among speakers of the same language, influenced by factors like region, social class, or context.
Define Grammatical variation?
Refers to differences in sentence structure, verb forms, or other aspects of grammar among speakers of the same language. For example, saying “I ain’t got any” vs. “I don’t have any” shows grammatical variation.
What was the purpose of cockney rhyming slang ?
The purpose of Cockney rhyming slang was originally to create a form of coded language, often used to keep conversations private
What is Estuary English and who are the main users ?
It blends features of Received Pronunciation (RP) and Cockney, characterised by a more relaxed, less formal speech style.
The main users are often people from middle-class backgrounds, younger speakers.
Define Overt Prestige
Overt prestige refers to the social value or status associated with a language variety that is considered standard, formal, or prestigious in society.
Define Covert Prestige
Covert prestige is about gaining respect or status within a particular social or cultural group by using local dialects, slang, or accents that may not be considered prestigious in wider society.
What are the main characteristics of pidgin?
A pidgin is a simplified language that develops when people from different language backgrounds need to communicate. It has basic grammar, a limited vocabulary, and is used for practical purposes like trade.
Define upwards convergence ?
Upwards convergence is when a speaker adjusts their accent or language to sound more like a higher-status or more prestigious group, often to fit in or be accepted.
Define downwards convergence?
Downwards convergence is when a speaker adjusts their accent or language to sound more like a lower-status or more informal group, often to appear friendly, approachable, or to fit in with a particular social group.
Define Divergence
Divergence is when a speaker changes their accent, speech style, or language to become more distinct from others, often to emphasise social differences or group identity.
What is the process of dialect levelling ?
Dialect levelling is the process where regional accents and dialects become more similar over time due to social factors like media, or education.
Is polari a dialect or sociolect?
Polari is a sociolect
It was a secretive form of language used by the LGBTQ+ community in Britain, particularly in the mid-20th century
What does Ethnolect mean ?
An ethnolect is a variety of language spoken by a particular ethnic group, influenced by the group’s cultural identity, history, and social experiences.
What is code-switching ?
Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages, dialects, or varieties of language within a conversation or sentence, often depending on the social context or the people involved
What is an example of code-switching?
A bilingual person might switch from English to Spanish when talking to a family member and back to English when speaking to a friend.
