TMN3701 Assignment 3 Solutions 2026
UNISA
1
Department of Language Education, Arts and
Culture
Module name: Teaching English First Additional
Language in the Intermediate Phase
Module code: TMN3701 Assessment number: 3
Due date: 9 July 2026 Total marks: 80
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Sociolinguistic Competence and the Use of Standard and Non-standard English
Sociolinguistic competence refers to a person's ability to use language appropriately
according to the social situation, audience and purpose of communication. It involves
understanding that different contexts require different language choices and that
language should be adapted to suit formal or informal settings.
For EFAL learners, sociolinguistic competence is important because they communicate
in various contexts such as at home, with friends, at school and in future workplaces.
Learners often use informal language varieties, slang and SMS abbreviations in
everyday communication. While these forms of language are acceptable in informal
situations, they may not be suitable for formal academic writing.
Understanding the distinction between standard and non-standard English helps
learners choose appropriate language for different purposes. Standard English
promotes clarity and professionalism in formal communication, while non-standard
forms are often used to build social relationships in informal settings. Developing
sociolinguistic competence therefore enables learners to communicate effectively,
avoid misunderstandings and participate successfully in academic and professional
environments.
1.2 Guided Writing Activity
Activity Title: From SMS Language to Formal English
Rewriting SMS Language into Standard English
The teacher provides learners with common SMS abbreviations and asks them to
rewrite each expression in standard English.
SMS Language Standard English
IDK I do not know
2N8 Tonight
FYI For your information
TY Thank you
Learners discuss the meanings in pairs before sharing answers with the class.
UNISA
1
Department of Language Education, Arts and
Culture
Module name: Teaching English First Additional
Language in the Intermediate Phase
Module code: TMN3701 Assessment number: 3
Due date: 9 July 2026 Total marks: 80
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Sociolinguistic Competence and the Use of Standard and Non-standard English
Sociolinguistic competence refers to a person's ability to use language appropriately
according to the social situation, audience and purpose of communication. It involves
understanding that different contexts require different language choices and that
language should be adapted to suit formal or informal settings.
For EFAL learners, sociolinguistic competence is important because they communicate
in various contexts such as at home, with friends, at school and in future workplaces.
Learners often use informal language varieties, slang and SMS abbreviations in
everyday communication. While these forms of language are acceptable in informal
situations, they may not be suitable for formal academic writing.
Understanding the distinction between standard and non-standard English helps
learners choose appropriate language for different purposes. Standard English
promotes clarity and professionalism in formal communication, while non-standard
forms are often used to build social relationships in informal settings. Developing
sociolinguistic competence therefore enables learners to communicate effectively,
avoid misunderstandings and participate successfully in academic and professional
environments.
1.2 Guided Writing Activity
Activity Title: From SMS Language to Formal English
Rewriting SMS Language into Standard English
The teacher provides learners with common SMS abbreviations and asks them to
rewrite each expression in standard English.
SMS Language Standard English
IDK I do not know
2N8 Tonight
FYI For your information
TY Thank you
Learners discuss the meanings in pairs before sharing answers with the class.
