ENG1502 Assignment 1 (100% ANSWERS) 2026 - DUE 16 April 2026

ENG1502 Assignment 1 (100% ANSWERS) 2026 - DUE 16 April 2026..................QQUESTION 1 Read the following statements. Indicate whether each statement is TRUE or FALSE and provide a reason for your answer. 1.1 Language as a system of rules means that there is a set of rules that applies to all languages; however, the rules exclude orthography. (2 marks) 1.2 The study of physiological qualities of speech sounds is known as phonology. (2 marks) 1.3 To understand that the word blackboard is a combination of two words, one needs to draw on their knowledge of syntax. (2 marks) 1.4 Pragmatics can best be described as the actual meaning of words used in oral or written language. (2 marks) 1.5 Multilingualism and multiculturalism in South Africa has led to more than one English variety. (2 marks) (Total: 10 marks) Question 2 Before answering this question, read all the definitions of language in Unit 1 (Tutorial Letter 501), Activity 1.2. Pay particular attention to Steven Pinker’s (1994) definition, which suggests that humans have an innate drive to acquire language. Then answer the questions that follow. 2.1 Based on how you learned your home language, do you agree with Pinker’s (1994) claim that every individual has the natural ability to learn a language? Give two reasons to support your answer. (4 marks) 2.2 From your observation of how bilingual and multilingual people learn their languages, or your experience if you are bilingual or multilingual, do you think Pinker’s (1994) definition about the natural drive to learn a language is applicable? Give two reasons to support your answer. (4 marks) (Total: 08 marks) ENG1502/ASSIGNMENT01/2026 Question 3 In unit 2 (Tut letter 501) several terms and concepts are used to explain different language varieties in the English language. Define each of the following terms in your own words and provide an example sentence that illustrates each definition. 3.1 Cursing (3 marks) 3.2 Slang (3 marks) 3.3 Argot (3 marks) 3.4 Euphemism (3 marks) (Total: 12 marks) Question 4 In Unit 2 (Tut letter 501), there are several functional speech varieties that are mentioned and discussed. Study these speech varieties carefully and answer the questions based on the following text. The text includes examples of a commonly South African township language variety. CHESANYAMA R250 Build your own plate – pick any five items All served with a portion of pap/dombolo/samp, sheba & chakalaka Please allow 30-45 minutes preparation time during busy periods with all chesanyama dishes 1 piece Brisket 1 piece short rib 1 piece boerewors 1 piece pork chops 1 piece chicken wing or drumstick 1 piece lamb chops Do yourself a favour and make a turn to our braai to say Howzit, Eita, Aweh, Wat se. Our team members will show you how they braai the nyama in our pozi! Hola… 4.1 What is the language style used in the above text? (1 mark) 4.2 Provide two examples from the text above to support the answer in 4.1. (2 marks) 4.3 Write a short dialogue (maximum of five sentences) in which the speakers use non-standard language to reflect on the stress of distance education. (10 marks) 4.4 From your answer in 4.3, identify two non-standard words and provide the standard form of each word. (2 marks)