LSP1501 Assignment 5 (Language Studies)
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026 QUESTIONS
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LSP1501 Assignment 5 Exam Study Guide MCQs (1–50)
Q1.
Which of the following best defines semantics in language studies?
A. The study of sentence structure
B. The study of word meaning
C. The study of sounds in speech
D. The study of language in society
Answer: B. The study of word meaning
Explanation: Semantics refers to the area of linguistics that deals with meaning in language. It
focuses on how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning. Unlike syntax (sentence
structure) or phonology (sounds), semantics specifically explains how language communicates
ideas, concepts, and relationships.
Q2.
In sociolinguistics, what does the term code-switching refer to?
A. Using slang in formal writing
B. Switching between different registers
C. Alternating between two or more languages
D. Changing sentence structure for emphasis
Answer: C. Alternating between two or more languages
Explanation: Code-switching is the practice of alternating between languages or language
varieties within a single conversation or context. It reflects bilingual or multilingual competence
and is often influenced by setting, audience, and purpose. This is common in multilingual
societies, including South Africa.
,Q3.
Which language function is emphasized when a speaker says, “Could you please pass the salt?”
A. Phatic function
B. Conative function
C. Referential function
D. Metalingual function
Answer: B. Conative function
Explanation: The conative function of language focuses on influencing the listener’s behavior. In
this case, the request for salt is aimed at prompting an action. This is different from the
referential (informing), phatic (social connection), or metalingual (talking about language)
functions.
Q4.
Which of the following is an example of a pragmatic aspect of language?
A. Word pronunciation
B. Sentence diagramming
C. Intended meaning in context
D. Word etymology
Answer: C. Intended meaning in context
Explanation: Pragmatics deals with how context influences meaning. For example, the
statement “It’s cold in here” might pragmatically imply “Please close the window.” It examines
speaker intention, listener interpretation, and situational factors beyond literal meaning.
Q5.
Which component of grammar governs the arrangement of words into sentences?
A. Morphology
B. Phonology
C. Semantics
D. Syntax
Answer: D. Syntax
Explanation: Syntax refers to the rules and principles that dictate how words combine into
,phrases and sentences. It ensures grammatical order and logical relationships. Morphology
deals with word formation, phonology with sounds, and semantics with meaning.
Q6.
In communication theory, the noise factor refers to:
A. Literal sound disturbance only
B. Anything that distorts or interferes with a message
C. Lack of vocabulary in a language
D. The speaker’s poor pronunciation
Answer: B. Anything that distorts or interferes with a message
Explanation: In communication, noise does not only mean sound but refers to any barrier—
physical, psychological, or semantic—that distorts a message. For instance, background noise,
misunderstanding, or distraction can all be considered communication noise.
Q7.
Which of the following best illustrates register in language use?
A. “Hi dude!” vs. “Good afternoon, Professor.”
B. Cat vs. Dog
C. Past vs. Present tense
D. Spoken vs. Written English
Answer: A. “Hi dude!” vs. “Good afternoon, Professor.”
Explanation: Register refers to variations in language depending on context, audience, or
purpose. Informal greetings differ from formal ones, showing a shift in register. Unlike tense or
vocabulary differences, register reflects social and situational appropriateness.
Q8.
Which level of language analysis deals with the smallest units of sound?
A. Morphology
B. Syntax
C. Phonology
D. Semantics
, Answer: C. Phonology
Explanation: Phonology studies the sound system of a language, focusing on phonemes—the
smallest distinctive sound units. Morphology handles word structure, syntax governs sentence
formation, and semantics addresses meaning.
Q9.
Which of the following statements reflects linguistic relativity?
A. All languages have the same grammar.
B. Language shapes how people perceive the world.
C. Language learning is only biological.
D. Language is unrelated to thought.
Answer: B. Language shapes how people perceive the world.
Explanation: The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests linguistic relativity—the idea that the
structure of a language influences how its speakers perceive and think about reality. For
example, cultures with many words for snow may perceive it differently from those with fewer
terms.
Q10.
What is the main difference between prescriptive and descriptive grammar?
A. Prescriptive grammar studies sentence sounds.
B. Prescriptive grammar tells how language should be used, while descriptive grammar
describes actual usage.
C. Prescriptive grammar deals with semantics.
D. Descriptive grammar is concerned with spelling rules.
Answer: B. Prescriptive grammar tells how language should be used, while descriptive grammar
describes actual usage.
Explanation: Prescriptive grammar enforces rules of correctness, often based on tradition or
authority (e.g., “Never split infinitives”). Descriptive grammar observes and explains how people
naturally use language without judging correctness.
LSP1501 Exam Study Guide MCQs (11–50)
Q11.
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026 QUESTIONS
BANK & VERIFIED DETAILED ANSWERS ||
100% SUCCESS RATE
LSP1501 Assignment 5 Exam Study Guide MCQs (1–50)
Q1.
Which of the following best defines semantics in language studies?
A. The study of sentence structure
B. The study of word meaning
C. The study of sounds in speech
D. The study of language in society
Answer: B. The study of word meaning
Explanation: Semantics refers to the area of linguistics that deals with meaning in language. It
focuses on how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning. Unlike syntax (sentence
structure) or phonology (sounds), semantics specifically explains how language communicates
ideas, concepts, and relationships.
Q2.
In sociolinguistics, what does the term code-switching refer to?
A. Using slang in formal writing
B. Switching between different registers
C. Alternating between two or more languages
D. Changing sentence structure for emphasis
Answer: C. Alternating between two or more languages
Explanation: Code-switching is the practice of alternating between languages or language
varieties within a single conversation or context. It reflects bilingual or multilingual competence
and is often influenced by setting, audience, and purpose. This is common in multilingual
societies, including South Africa.
,Q3.
Which language function is emphasized when a speaker says, “Could you please pass the salt?”
A. Phatic function
B. Conative function
C. Referential function
D. Metalingual function
Answer: B. Conative function
Explanation: The conative function of language focuses on influencing the listener’s behavior. In
this case, the request for salt is aimed at prompting an action. This is different from the
referential (informing), phatic (social connection), or metalingual (talking about language)
functions.
Q4.
Which of the following is an example of a pragmatic aspect of language?
A. Word pronunciation
B. Sentence diagramming
C. Intended meaning in context
D. Word etymology
Answer: C. Intended meaning in context
Explanation: Pragmatics deals with how context influences meaning. For example, the
statement “It’s cold in here” might pragmatically imply “Please close the window.” It examines
speaker intention, listener interpretation, and situational factors beyond literal meaning.
Q5.
Which component of grammar governs the arrangement of words into sentences?
A. Morphology
B. Phonology
C. Semantics
D. Syntax
Answer: D. Syntax
Explanation: Syntax refers to the rules and principles that dictate how words combine into
,phrases and sentences. It ensures grammatical order and logical relationships. Morphology
deals with word formation, phonology with sounds, and semantics with meaning.
Q6.
In communication theory, the noise factor refers to:
A. Literal sound disturbance only
B. Anything that distorts or interferes with a message
C. Lack of vocabulary in a language
D. The speaker’s poor pronunciation
Answer: B. Anything that distorts or interferes with a message
Explanation: In communication, noise does not only mean sound but refers to any barrier—
physical, psychological, or semantic—that distorts a message. For instance, background noise,
misunderstanding, or distraction can all be considered communication noise.
Q7.
Which of the following best illustrates register in language use?
A. “Hi dude!” vs. “Good afternoon, Professor.”
B. Cat vs. Dog
C. Past vs. Present tense
D. Spoken vs. Written English
Answer: A. “Hi dude!” vs. “Good afternoon, Professor.”
Explanation: Register refers to variations in language depending on context, audience, or
purpose. Informal greetings differ from formal ones, showing a shift in register. Unlike tense or
vocabulary differences, register reflects social and situational appropriateness.
Q8.
Which level of language analysis deals with the smallest units of sound?
A. Morphology
B. Syntax
C. Phonology
D. Semantics
, Answer: C. Phonology
Explanation: Phonology studies the sound system of a language, focusing on phonemes—the
smallest distinctive sound units. Morphology handles word structure, syntax governs sentence
formation, and semantics addresses meaning.
Q9.
Which of the following statements reflects linguistic relativity?
A. All languages have the same grammar.
B. Language shapes how people perceive the world.
C. Language learning is only biological.
D. Language is unrelated to thought.
Answer: B. Language shapes how people perceive the world.
Explanation: The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests linguistic relativity—the idea that the
structure of a language influences how its speakers perceive and think about reality. For
example, cultures with many words for snow may perceive it differently from those with fewer
terms.
Q10.
What is the main difference between prescriptive and descriptive grammar?
A. Prescriptive grammar studies sentence sounds.
B. Prescriptive grammar tells how language should be used, while descriptive grammar
describes actual usage.
C. Prescriptive grammar deals with semantics.
D. Descriptive grammar is concerned with spelling rules.
Answer: B. Prescriptive grammar tells how language should be used, while descriptive grammar
describes actual usage.
Explanation: Prescriptive grammar enforces rules of correctness, often based on tradition or
authority (e.g., “Never split infinitives”). Descriptive grammar observes and explains how people
naturally use language without judging correctness.
LSP1501 Exam Study Guide MCQs (11–50)
Q11.
