ENG 227 Final, Spring 2004

ka, Hheo«n t SVAN LIBRARY OF BEIRUT English 227: Introduction to Language Name: Spring 2003-2004 Prof. R. Diab FINAL EXAM (Time: 2 hours) I. EXERCISES: COMPLETE ALL EXERCISES ON THIS SHEET! 1. Provide an example from English for each of the following expressions. (20 points) 1. Gradable antonyms: 2. An anomalous sentence: . Place deixis: . Homographs: . Metaphor: Performative verb: . Commissive speech act: 8. Bound pronoun: 9. Euphemism: 10. Lexical ambiguity: 2. For each conversational excerpt, name a Gricean maxim that has been violated and give a plausible motivation for the violation. (10 points) 1. A: Would you like to go out with Amy? B: Is the Pope Catholic? Violated Maxim: Explanation: 2. A: Would you like to hear me singing “Feelings”? B: Yes, of course. I’d love to. (It’s actually the last thing B wants to hear.) Violated Maxim: Explanation: ll. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS: 1. Provide an appropriate definition for each of the following expressions. (10 points) . Regional dialect (vs. accent) . Lingua franca Creolization Directive speech act Semantic property 2. Answer TWO of the three following questions (15 points each): a. Describe the three major dialect areas in the British colonies, summarize the historical changes in the pronunciation of words with an [r], and explain what the historical background of settlers in the British colonies tells us about the development of regional dialects. . Briefly 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. In your opinion, which is more convincing, and why? Advertisers often use implicature to persuade consumers. Explain the distinction between implicature and entailment, then describe and give examples of three techniques used in advertising in order to “implicate a lot and entail little.” I. LONG ANSWER QUESTION: Write an organized, well-developed essay addressing ALL of the following questions: (30 points) 1. What is Standard American English? It is easy to define? Why or why not? 2. 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? 3. 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! ©