LING 115 (READINGS) EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
When Macaulay says that "languages and dialects have both a unifying function and a
separatist function," what does he mean? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald
Macaulay) - Correct Answers -He means that they help a group of people see what they
have in common with each other and how they differ from "others". In the past,
language was one way of distinguishing between friend and fo, suitable marriage
partner candidates. Dialects still serve this function, it is part of what it means to be
British, American, Scots, Welsh, Texan etc.
E.g. one's pronunciation of the word "coffee" can signal whether they were really born in
the bronx
What three reasons does Macaulay give to back up his belief that Standard English is
not superior to other forms? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald Macaulay) -
Correct Answers -In response to 1) it's the most logical 2) the most regular 3) the most
beautiful...
1) Languages are neither logical or illogical, though users can be
2) Those dialects in which the third-person singular's inflexion has been lost are more
regular than Standard English
3) There is no objective criteria by which a beauty of a language can be judged
Macaulay describes patterns of speech in New York City and Glasgow...
In the studies described by Macaulay, how does social class relate to the occurrence of
non-standard pronunciations? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald Macaulay) -
Correct Answers -Low income/social class increases the occurrence of non-standard
pronunciations. This can be shown on a linear graph.
What problems are created by first-language attrition? - Correct Answers -Children
become frustrated as they are unable to communicate effectively with relatives, feel
alienated from peers in the old country, and humiliated in front of visitors to the home.
Elite Closure - Correct Answers -A situation in which language policy and the patterns of
language use by elite members of society effectively prevents non-elites from access to
the linguistic resources they need to gain social, cultural and economic capital
Generation 1.5 - Correct Answers -Generation 1.5: came to the US between the ages of
8-12, first gen parents, attend middle and high school in the US
> Usually fluently bilingual and bicultural
> Can't relate to 1st or 2nd gen
> Strong in LML but have imperfections, same with HL
> Code switch at a more advanced level. Speaking level is higher than literacy
> Understands HL is a tool for social and financial benefits
AND ANSWERS
When Macaulay says that "languages and dialects have both a unifying function and a
separatist function," what does he mean? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald
Macaulay) - Correct Answers -He means that they help a group of people see what they
have in common with each other and how they differ from "others". In the past,
language was one way of distinguishing between friend and fo, suitable marriage
partner candidates. Dialects still serve this function, it is part of what it means to be
British, American, Scots, Welsh, Texan etc.
E.g. one's pronunciation of the word "coffee" can signal whether they were really born in
the bronx
What three reasons does Macaulay give to back up his belief that Standard English is
not superior to other forms? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald Macaulay) -
Correct Answers -In response to 1) it's the most logical 2) the most regular 3) the most
beautiful...
1) Languages are neither logical or illogical, though users can be
2) Those dialects in which the third-person singular's inflexion has been lost are more
regular than Standard English
3) There is no objective criteria by which a beauty of a language can be judged
Macaulay describes patterns of speech in New York City and Glasgow...
In the studies described by Macaulay, how does social class relate to the occurrence of
non-standard pronunciations? (Regional dialects and social class, Ronald Macaulay) -
Correct Answers -Low income/social class increases the occurrence of non-standard
pronunciations. This can be shown on a linear graph.
What problems are created by first-language attrition? - Correct Answers -Children
become frustrated as they are unable to communicate effectively with relatives, feel
alienated from peers in the old country, and humiliated in front of visitors to the home.
Elite Closure - Correct Answers -A situation in which language policy and the patterns of
language use by elite members of society effectively prevents non-elites from access to
the linguistic resources they need to gain social, cultural and economic capital
Generation 1.5 - Correct Answers -Generation 1.5: came to the US between the ages of
8-12, first gen parents, attend middle and high school in the US
> Usually fluently bilingual and bicultural
> Can't relate to 1st or 2nd gen
> Strong in LML but have imperfections, same with HL
> Code switch at a more advanced level. Speaking level is higher than literacy
> Understands HL is a tool for social and financial benefits
