ENG 227 Final, Spring 2003

MERICAS ENIVERSIT’ LIBRARY OF BEIRUT English 227: Introduction to Language Name: Spring 2002-2003 Dr. R. Diab FINAL EXAM (Time: 2 hours) L DEFINITIONS: Provide an appropriate definition and an example for each of the following expressions. (20 points) 1. Meaning shift 2. Regional dialect (vs. accent) 3. Logographic writing system 4. Pidgin 5. Loan translation 6. Broadening 7. Syllabic writing system 8. Euphemism 9. Lingua franca 1 Il. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS: Answer number 1 and TWO of the remaining three questions (numbers 2, 3, and 4). 1. Describe and give examples of three phonological features of Ebonics/African American English (AAE) and two syntactic differences between AAE and Standard American English. (20 points) 2. How does the study of loan words in English help us in following the history of English-speaking peoples? In answering this question, make sure you provide examples of loan words in English from different languages and discuss the kinds of loan words and the (approximate) time they entered English. (15 points) 3. Answer the following questions concerning language families: (15 points) a. What major family of languages does English belong to? b. Name three genetically related languages in this family (and specify their ancestral protolanguage). c. Identify three other major language families and name one language that belongs to each. 4. Discuss the two main theories that have attempted to account for the development of Ebonics and for the differences between Ebonics and Standard American English. [n your opinion, which is more convincing, and why? U5 points) Ill. ESSAY: Write an organized, well-developed essay addressing ALL of the following questions: (30 points) What is Standard American English? It is easy to define? Why or why not? In your opinion, is a “standard” dialect of a particular language superior in any aspect to other dialects of that language? Why or why not? Provide examples of judgments people have made as to the superiority or inferiority of a particular language or dialect. Are such judgments linguistic ones, in your opinion? Explain. Can language in itself be “filthy” (e.g. taboo expressions) or “clean”? Can it be “good” or “evil” (e.g. sexist or racist language)? Explain. GOOD LUCK!!! ©