1
ENG1502
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
ENG1502
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG1502 ANSWERS
JANUARY
2024
, 2
ENG1502
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
SECTION A: Languages and Varieties
QUESTION 1
In Unit 1 you are introduced to language as a system and to the different components of language. Read
the following statements. State whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE and give a reason for your
answer.
1.1 Language as a system of rules means that there is a set of rules that applies to all languages;
however, the rules exclude orthography. (2 marks)
FALSE. Language as a system of rules refers to a set of rules that applies to individual languages, not
universally to all languages. Orthography, which deals with spelling and writing systems, is part of these
language-specific rules.
1.2 The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as phonology. (2 marks)
FALSE. The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as articulatory phonetics, not
phonology. Phonology is concerned with the abstract, mental representations of speech sounds in a
particular language.
1.3 To understand that the word blackboard is a combination of two words, one needs to draw on their
knowledge of syntax. (2 marks)
FALSE. Understanding that the word "blackboard" is a combination of two words involves knowledge of
morphology, not syntax. Syntax deals with the structure and arrangement of words in sentences.
1.4 Pragmatics can best be described as the actual meaning of words used in oral or written language.
(2 marks)
FALSE. Pragmatics is not about the actual meaning of words; it is the study of how context influences the
interpretation of language. It focuses on the use of language in specific situations and the social aspects
of communication.
ENG1502
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
ENG1502
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG1502 ANSWERS
JANUARY
2024
, 2
ENG1502
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
SECTION A: Languages and Varieties
QUESTION 1
In Unit 1 you are introduced to language as a system and to the different components of language. Read
the following statements. State whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE and give a reason for your
answer.
1.1 Language as a system of rules means that there is a set of rules that applies to all languages;
however, the rules exclude orthography. (2 marks)
FALSE. Language as a system of rules refers to a set of rules that applies to individual languages, not
universally to all languages. Orthography, which deals with spelling and writing systems, is part of these
language-specific rules.
1.2 The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as phonology. (2 marks)
FALSE. The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as articulatory phonetics, not
phonology. Phonology is concerned with the abstract, mental representations of speech sounds in a
particular language.
1.3 To understand that the word blackboard is a combination of two words, one needs to draw on their
knowledge of syntax. (2 marks)
FALSE. Understanding that the word "blackboard" is a combination of two words involves knowledge of
morphology, not syntax. Syntax deals with the structure and arrangement of words in sentences.
1.4 Pragmatics can best be described as the actual meaning of words used in oral or written language.
(2 marks)
FALSE. Pragmatics is not about the actual meaning of words; it is the study of how context influences the
interpretation of language. It focuses on the use of language in specific situations and the social aspects
of communication.
