, ENG1502
ASSIGNMENT 02
2024
Question 1
1.1 The following words can post challenges with pronunciation. Based on your
knowledge of English as an alphabetic language, write the phonemic
transcription of each word.
i. Ask - /æsk/
ii. Mischievous - /ˈmɪs.tʃɪ.vəs/
iii. Draught - /drɑːft/
iv. Nauseous - /ˈnɔː.ʃəs/
v. Buffet - /bʊˈfeɪ/
References:
- Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
Question 2
2.1 Languages are known for borrowing words from one another.
i) In your own words, explain what you understand by the process of
borrowing words from one language to another. (2 marks)
Borrowing words from one language to another is the process of adopting words from one language
and incorporating them into another language's lexicon. This can happen through direct contact
between two languages, such as through trade, conquest, or cultural exchange, and can also occur
due to migration and colonization. As a result, languages often contain words that have been
borrowed from other languages, leading to a diverse and constantly evolving linguistic landscape.
Reference:
- "Loanword." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/loanword
ii) Provide three words which illustrate the effect of borrowing on
pronunciation. For example, in the word ‘buffet’ which has been borrowed
from French, the final ‘t’ is silent in French, yet most people tend to
pronounce the ‘t’ in English. (3 marks)
1) Croissant - borrowed from French, where the final 't' is silent, yet many English speakers
pronounce the 't' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
2) Niche - borrowed from French, where the 'ch' is pronounced as 'sh', yet in English it is pronounced
as 'ch' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
3) Pizza - borrowed from Italian, where the 'z' is pronounced as 'ts', yet in English it is pronounced as
'z' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
ASSIGNMENT 02
2024
Question 1
1.1 The following words can post challenges with pronunciation. Based on your
knowledge of English as an alphabetic language, write the phonemic
transcription of each word.
i. Ask - /æsk/
ii. Mischievous - /ˈmɪs.tʃɪ.vəs/
iii. Draught - /drɑːft/
iv. Nauseous - /ˈnɔː.ʃəs/
v. Buffet - /bʊˈfeɪ/
References:
- Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
Question 2
2.1 Languages are known for borrowing words from one another.
i) In your own words, explain what you understand by the process of
borrowing words from one language to another. (2 marks)
Borrowing words from one language to another is the process of adopting words from one language
and incorporating them into another language's lexicon. This can happen through direct contact
between two languages, such as through trade, conquest, or cultural exchange, and can also occur
due to migration and colonization. As a result, languages often contain words that have been
borrowed from other languages, leading to a diverse and constantly evolving linguistic landscape.
Reference:
- "Loanword." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/loanword
ii) Provide three words which illustrate the effect of borrowing on
pronunciation. For example, in the word ‘buffet’ which has been borrowed
from French, the final ‘t’ is silent in French, yet most people tend to
pronounce the ‘t’ in English. (3 marks)
1) Croissant - borrowed from French, where the final 't' is silent, yet many English speakers
pronounce the 't' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
2) Niche - borrowed from French, where the 'ch' is pronounced as 'sh', yet in English it is pronounced
as 'ch' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
3) Pizza - borrowed from Italian, where the 'z' is pronounced as 'ts', yet in English it is pronounced as
'z' (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
