ENG 1502
ASSIGNMENT 2
2024
, Question 1
1.1 The following words can pose challenges with pronunciation.
Based on your knowledge of English as an alphabetic language,
write the phonemic transcription of each word.
- Ask: /ɑːsk/
- Mischievous: /ˈmɪs.tʃɪ.vəs/
- Draught: /drɑːft/
- Nauseous: /ˈnɔː.zi.əs/
- Buffet: /bʊˈfeɪ/
Question 2
2.1 Languages are known for borrowing words from one another. i) In
your own words, explain what you understand by the process of
borrowing words from one language to another.
In linguistics, borrowing (also known as lexical borrowing) is the process by
which a word from one language is adapted for use in another. The word
that is borrowed is called a borrowing, a borrowed word, or a loanword.
The English language has been described by David Crystal as an
"insatiable borrower." More than 120 other languages have served as
sources for the contemporary vocabulary of English. This can occur due to
cultural exchange, trade, conquest, or technological advancements, leading
to the enrichment and evolution of languages.
ii) Provide three words which illustrate the effect of borrowing on
pronunciation. For example, in the word ‘buffet’ which has been
borrowed from French, the final ‘t’ is silent in French, yet most people
tend to pronounce the ‘t’ in English.
Examples of borrowed words affecting pronunciation are:
- Café - borrowed from French, where the final "e" is silent, but
pronounced in English.
- Tsunami - borrowed from Japanese, where the "ts" sound is not
common in English, leading to varied pronunciations.
ASSIGNMENT 2
2024
, Question 1
1.1 The following words can pose challenges with pronunciation.
Based on your knowledge of English as an alphabetic language,
write the phonemic transcription of each word.
- Ask: /ɑːsk/
- Mischievous: /ˈmɪs.tʃɪ.vəs/
- Draught: /drɑːft/
- Nauseous: /ˈnɔː.zi.əs/
- Buffet: /bʊˈfeɪ/
Question 2
2.1 Languages are known for borrowing words from one another. i) In
your own words, explain what you understand by the process of
borrowing words from one language to another.
In linguistics, borrowing (also known as lexical borrowing) is the process by
which a word from one language is adapted for use in another. The word
that is borrowed is called a borrowing, a borrowed word, or a loanword.
The English language has been described by David Crystal as an
"insatiable borrower." More than 120 other languages have served as
sources for the contemporary vocabulary of English. This can occur due to
cultural exchange, trade, conquest, or technological advancements, leading
to the enrichment and evolution of languages.
ii) Provide three words which illustrate the effect of borrowing on
pronunciation. For example, in the word ‘buffet’ which has been
borrowed from French, the final ‘t’ is silent in French, yet most people
tend to pronounce the ‘t’ in English.
Examples of borrowed words affecting pronunciation are:
- Café - borrowed from French, where the final "e" is silent, but
pronounced in English.
- Tsunami - borrowed from Japanese, where the "ts" sound is not
common in English, leading to varied pronunciations.
