ENG1502
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2026
,ENG1502 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
Question 1: Semantics and Pragmatics
1) A form of a language that differs according to the speakers, the circumstances
in which it is being used, and the purpose of communication.
Variety
A language variety is a specific form of a language that changes based on who is
speaking, the situation, and the purpose of communication. According to Mullany and
Stockwell (2010, p. 1), a variety refers to a form of language that differs according to
speakers, circumstances, and the purpose of communication. The tutorial letter
(ENG1502/501, Unit 2) explains that varieties manifest at different linguistic levels
including lexical, phonological, morphological, and syntactic levels.
2) A study that broadly refers to how meaning is constructed, interpreted,
illustrated, symbolised, imagined, concealed or disguised.
Semantics
Semantics is the study of meaning in language. It focuses on how meaning is made,
understood, and expressed through language. Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 10)
define semantics as referring to "the construction of meaning in language." The tutorial
letter (Unit 6) states that semantics is the study of how meaning is expressed by
, elements of any language and how meaning is constructed, interpreted, illustrated,
symbolised, imagined, concealed or disguised (UNISA 2020, p. 86).
3) A situation where a word, phrase, sentence is open to more than one possible
interpretation or meaning.
Ambiguity
Ambiguity occurs when a word, phrase, or sentence can be understood in more than
one way. According to the tutorial letter, "Ambiguity refers to a situation where a word,
phrase, sentence is open to more than one possible interpretation" (UNISA 2020, Unit
6, p. 91). Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 12) discuss how ambiguity can make it
difficult to assign exact meaning to utterances, sometimes resulting in
miscommunication.
4) When we speak we often use non-verbal signs such as body language, facial
expressions and gestures in order to express our intended message.
Paralinguistics or Non-verbal communication
Paralinguistics refers to the non-verbal elements that accompany speech, including
body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. The tutorial letter
(UNISA 2020, Unit 6, p. 88) explains: "When we speak we often use non-verbal signs
such as body language, facial expressions and gestures in order to express our
intended message." Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 1) also note that when we speak
we often use non-verbal signs such as body language, facial expressions and gestures
to express our intended message.
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2026
,ENG1502 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
Question 1: Semantics and Pragmatics
1) A form of a language that differs according to the speakers, the circumstances
in which it is being used, and the purpose of communication.
Variety
A language variety is a specific form of a language that changes based on who is
speaking, the situation, and the purpose of communication. According to Mullany and
Stockwell (2010, p. 1), a variety refers to a form of language that differs according to
speakers, circumstances, and the purpose of communication. The tutorial letter
(ENG1502/501, Unit 2) explains that varieties manifest at different linguistic levels
including lexical, phonological, morphological, and syntactic levels.
2) A study that broadly refers to how meaning is constructed, interpreted,
illustrated, symbolised, imagined, concealed or disguised.
Semantics
Semantics is the study of meaning in language. It focuses on how meaning is made,
understood, and expressed through language. Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 10)
define semantics as referring to "the construction of meaning in language." The tutorial
letter (Unit 6) states that semantics is the study of how meaning is expressed by
, elements of any language and how meaning is constructed, interpreted, illustrated,
symbolised, imagined, concealed or disguised (UNISA 2020, p. 86).
3) A situation where a word, phrase, sentence is open to more than one possible
interpretation or meaning.
Ambiguity
Ambiguity occurs when a word, phrase, or sentence can be understood in more than
one way. According to the tutorial letter, "Ambiguity refers to a situation where a word,
phrase, sentence is open to more than one possible interpretation" (UNISA 2020, Unit
6, p. 91). Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 12) discuss how ambiguity can make it
difficult to assign exact meaning to utterances, sometimes resulting in
miscommunication.
4) When we speak we often use non-verbal signs such as body language, facial
expressions and gestures in order to express our intended message.
Paralinguistics or Non-verbal communication
Paralinguistics refers to the non-verbal elements that accompany speech, including
body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. The tutorial letter
(UNISA 2020, Unit 6, p. 88) explains: "When we speak we often use non-verbal signs
such as body language, facial expressions and gestures in order to express our
intended message." Mullany and Stockwell (2010, p. 1) also note that when we speak
we often use non-verbal signs such as body language, facial expressions and gestures
to express our intended message.
