, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1
1. Read the following statements. Indicate whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE and
provide 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.
False. Language as a system of rules does not apply universally across all languages, and
orthography (the system of writing) is typically included in the set of language rules. The rules
of language govern not just pronunciation and grammar, but also writing systems (orthography)
as part of the system (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 3).
1.2. The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as phonology.
False. Phonology is the study of the sound system and patterns of a language, while the study
of the physiological aspects of speech sounds is called phonetics. Phonetics explores how
speech sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 2).
1.3. To understand that the word blackboard is a combination of two words, one needs to draw
on their knowledge of syntax.
True. Understanding that "blackboard" is a combination of two words relies on knowledge of
syntax, which governs how words combine to form meaningful sentences (ENG1502, 501.
Page 25).
1.4. Pragmatics can best be described as the actual meaning of words used in oral or written
language.
False. Pragmatics refers to the study of language in use and how meaning is derived from
context, rather than the actual meaning of words themselves. It involves understanding the
meaning in specific communicative situations (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 91).
1.5. Multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Africa has led to more than one English
variety.
True. Multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Africa have indeed contributed to the
development of multiple varieties of English. The interaction between English and other
languages in South Africa has led to the emergence of distinct local varieties of English
(ENG1502, 501. Page 28).
QUESTION 1
1. Read the following statements. Indicate whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE and
provide 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.
False. Language as a system of rules does not apply universally across all languages, and
orthography (the system of writing) is typically included in the set of language rules. The rules
of language govern not just pronunciation and grammar, but also writing systems (orthography)
as part of the system (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 3).
1.2. The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as phonology.
False. Phonology is the study of the sound system and patterns of a language, while the study
of the physiological aspects of speech sounds is called phonetics. Phonetics explores how
speech sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 2).
1.3. To understand that the word blackboard is a combination of two words, one needs to draw
on their knowledge of syntax.
True. Understanding that "blackboard" is a combination of two words relies on knowledge of
syntax, which governs how words combine to form meaningful sentences (ENG1502, 501.
Page 25).
1.4. Pragmatics can best be described as the actual meaning of words used in oral or written
language.
False. Pragmatics refers to the study of language in use and how meaning is derived from
context, rather than the actual meaning of words themselves. It involves understanding the
meaning in specific communicative situations (Mullany & Stockwell, 2010. Page 91).
1.5. Multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Africa has led to more than one English
variety.
True. Multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Africa have indeed contributed to the
development of multiple varieties of English. The interaction between English and other
languages in South Africa has led to the emergence of distinct local varieties of English
(ENG1502, 501. Page 28).
