ENG1502 ASSIGNMENT 1 FOR 1ST SEM 2025

For this assignment, you will have to read Units 1 and 2 of Tutorial Letter 501. Question 1 Language as a semiotic system “… is thought of as a system where the individual elements – signs – take their overall meaning from how they are combined with other elements” (Carter & Goddard, 2016, p. 45). Bearing this quotation in mind, study TEXT A before you answer the questions that follow. You may also refer to Table 1 (Aspects of language) which is attached but can also be found on page 8 of Tutorial Letter 501. TEXT A What will 2021 bring? Never before have we started a new year with so many questions, to which there are so little answers (or are there)? A friend gave my 10-year-old grandson a little round grey object as a birthday present recently, and I just could not figure out what it was, or why he was so excited about it than the new swimming trunk decorated with huge and colourful toucans that I gave him. It turned out to be a mini smart speaker, or more precisely, an Artificial intelligence voice-controlled assistant called a Google Home Speaker, apparently designed to control the home by voice command, leaving your hands free to do other things. After a swift little DIY procedure requiring a small screwdriver, he connected another small device between the speaker and his bedside lamp . . . After my bewildered questions . . . , he informed me that this little critter can communicate with Google and is activated by him saying, “Hey Google”. He can then ask Google whatever he wants to know. Source: Celliers, A. (2021). The Gardener. (p.96) 1.1 Construct two different sentences using the same words from the following sentence: (4 marks) Never before have we started a new year with so many questions, to which there are so little answers (or are there)?. The words in the new sentences must be arranged differently from the original sentence. The sentences must be grammatically correct. 1.2 Which language aspect has helped you to re-arrange the words in 1.1? (1 mark) 1.3. In your own words, explain the language aspect you used in 1.2? (2 marks) 1.4 In TEXT A there are words that are conjoined into one. Example: grandson= grand+son 1.4.1 Identify three other words that are conjoined into one. (3 marks) 1.4.2 Demonstrate how each word is joined to form one word. (3 marks) 1.5 Using Table 1, identify and explain in your own words the language aspect that assisted you to answer 1.4.1. (2 marks) Total =15 marks Question 2 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. “Look at you!” my uncle continued excitedly, “the Mother city has bathed you. You have gained complexion by spending all that time with the ngamlas and dushis. Yeah, you look handsome, my laaitie. All the girls ekasi will be yours.” After twenty-seven gruelling hours trapped inside the crammed third-class carriage of the Shosholoza Meyl, I was exhausted and couldn’t say anything. All I could do was smile. “Come on, meet my bra’s,” he pointed at his friends with his left crutch. “You know PP and Dilika already, but meet Zero here,” he said, pointing at the third guy with widely spaced teeth. “He lives in our back yard. He has erected a zozo there. It’s been about three months now. He’s a very nice guy.” Source: Mhlongo Niq, After tears. Athens: Ohio Publishing Press, p5-6 2.1 Identify the non-standard functional speech variety used in the above conversation. (1 mark) 2.2 Support your answer in 2.1 by citing FOUR words from the conversation. (4 marks) 2.3 Write a short dialogue/ conversation of not more than five sentences in which you use a non-standard variety. (10 marks) 2.3 .1 From your answer in 2.3, Identify TWO non-standard words and give the standard form of the words. (4 marks) 2.4 Many varieties of the English language manifest at different linguistic levels to communicate a message from one speaker to another. These include: • Euphemisms • Slang • Jargon For each language variety listed above, write ONE sentence to show your understanding of each concept/label. If you use unfamiliar words in your sentences, please provide an English translation. (6 marks) Total= 25 marks Question 3 Background It is important for students to engage with their lecturers and their fellow students to ensure that the teaching and learning is delivered successfully. Instruction Participate in any two topics created by your lecturers, e-tutors, fellow students on the ENG1502 discussion forum on myUnisa. To serve as evidence of your participation, take a screenshot of your participation in each topic and attach on your assignment. Your screenshots should display your surname, initial(s), and date. (10 marks)