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Sociolinguistics > Language Change Vs. Language Contact > Flashcards

Language Change Vs. Language Contact Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the two fundamental processes that shape the evolution of languages?

A

Language change and language contact

These processes often intersect and influence each other.

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2
Q

What does language change refer to?

A

The natural evolution of a language over time due to internal factors

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3
Q

What are the mechanisms of language change?

A
  • Phonetic Changes
  • Grammatical Simplification
  • Lexical Changes
  • Semantic Changes
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4
Q

What is an example of a phonetic change in English?

A

The Great Vowel Shift (15th-18th centuries)

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5
Q

What does grammatical simplification refer to?

A

The tendency of languages to simplify their morphology over time

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6
Q

What is an example of lexical change?

A

The introduction of terms like ‘selfie’ and ‘emoji’ due to technological advancements

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7
Q

What are the causes of language change?

A
  • Generational Differences
  • Social Factors
  • Cognitive Factors
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8
Q

What can language change lead to over time?

A

The emergence of dialects and new languages

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9
Q

What is language contact?

A

The interaction between two or more languages due to geographical proximity, migration, trade, colonization, or globalization

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10
Q

What are the mechanisms of language contact?

A
  • Borrowing
  • Code-Switching
  • Pidgins and Creoles
  • Language Shift
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11
Q

What is borrowing in the context of language contact?

A

The adoption of words, phrases, or structures from one language to another

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12
Q

What is code-switching?

A

The alternation between languages within a conversation by bilingual speakers

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13
Q

What can happen when a community experiences language shift?

A

They may abandon their native language in favor of a dominant one

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14
Q

What are some causes of language contact?

A
  • Migration and Mobility
  • Colonization and Globalization
  • Education and Media
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15
Q

How can language contact threaten linguistic diversity?

A

Dominant languages may overshadow or replace minority languages

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16
Q

How do language change and language contact intersect?

A
  • Borrowing as a Catalyst for Change
  • Contact-Induced Change
  • Language Shift and Change
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17
Q

What is a case study that exemplifies the interplay between language change and contact?

A

Algeria

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18
Q

What has influenced the evolution of Algerian Arabic?

A

The incorporation of new vocabulary and expressions from social and technological changes

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19
Q

What is one implication for Algeria regarding language change and contact?

A

The tension between preserving linguistic heritage and adapting to global trends

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20
Q

What is the significance of recognizing Tamazight in Algeria?

A

It aims to preserve linguistic diversity and promote cultural pride

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21
Q

What does the transition from language variation to language change illustrate?

A

How differences in language use can lead to systematic changes over time

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22
Q

What is language variation?

A

Differences in language use based on geography, social class, age, gender, and context

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23
Q

What is an example of regional variation?

A

Differences between British and American English

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24
Q

What drives the adoption of new linguistic features?

A

Social Prestige and Adoption

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25
Who are considered the primary agents of language change?
Younger generations
26
What is grammaticalization?
The evolution of words or phrases into grammatical markers over time
27
What does Uriel Weinreich state about language change and contact?
They are two sides of the same coin, reflecting the dynamic nature of human communication
28
What is grammaticalization?
A key mechanism of language change, transforming lexical items into grammatical elements through repeated use ## Footnote Example: The English future tense marker 'will' originated from a verb meaning 'to want.'
29
What historical event is known as the Great Vowel Shift?
A phonetic change in English from the 15th to 18th centuries that began as regional variations in vowel pronunciation and became a systematic change ## Footnote It reshaped the sound system of the English language.
30
How can slang terms influence standard language?
Slang terms adopted by younger generations can eventually be incorporated into the standard language ## Footnote Example: The word 'cool' evolved from slang to standard usage meaning 'fashionable' or 'impressive.'
31
What was the outcome of the loss of the English case system?
It began as a simplification in certain dialects and eventually became a feature of the standard language ## Footnote Example: Transition from Old English 'þæm cyninge' to Modern English 'the king.'
32
What did Labov's Martha's Vineyard Study reveal about language change?
It showed that social factors drive language change, as fishermen exaggerated vowel sounds to assert local identity ## Footnote This led to a gradual shift in the island's dialect.
33
What is the significance of understanding variation in language for preservation and policy?
It is crucial for language preservation and policy, as losing speakers leads to a loss of variation and eventual extinction ## Footnote Endangered languages lose unique ways of perceiving the world.
34
What is borrowing in the context of language contact?
The adoption of words, phrases, or structures from another language, often due to cultural or technological influence ## Footnote Example: English has borrowed extensively from French.
35
What is code-switching?
The alternation between languages within a conversation by bilingual speakers ## Footnote Example: In Algeria, speakers switch between Algerian Arabic and French.
36
Define pidginization.
The development of simplified contact languages in multilingual settings, often for trade or labor ## Footnote Pidgins can evolve into creoles when they become first languages for children.
37
What does language shift refer to?
The process where a community abandons its native language in favor of another, often due to external pressures ## Footnote Example: Indigenous languages in the Americas replaced by colonial languages.
38
What are the immediate outcomes of language contact?
Lexical borrowing and structural changes in grammar, phonology, or syntax ## Footnote Prolonged contact can lead to languages becoming more similar.
39
What is the relationship between power dynamics and language contact?
The outcomes of language contact are influenced by the social, political, and economic power of the speakers ## Footnote Example: The spread of English is tied to the dominance of English-speaking countries.
40
What is the impact of language contact on linguistic diversity?
It can threaten linguistic diversity, particularly for minority languages ## Footnote Efforts to document and revitalize endangered languages are essential.
41
What did Ibn Khaldun contribute to the study of language contact?
He discussed the influence of Arabic on other languages and how it became a lingua franca during Islamic conquests ## Footnote This led to the adoption of Arabic vocabulary and structures by non-Arabic speakers.
42
What does the term 'code-switching' imply in sociolinguistics?
It reflects the complex identities and social dynamics of multilingual speakers ## Footnote Example: Code-switching in Egypt indicates social status and identity.
43
Fill in the blank: The revitalization of _______ is not just a linguistic endeavor; it is a struggle for cultural and political recognition.
Tamazight
44
What is the main struggle of Tamazight according to Salem Chaker?
Cultural and political recognition ## Footnote Salem Chaker highlights that the struggle for Tamazight is not merely linguistic but encompasses broader cultural and political dimensions.
45
How do Arab scholars contribute to the sociolinguistic study of language contact?
By examining language use, social identities, power dynamics, and cultural practices ## Footnote Arab scholars analyze how language reflects and shapes various social aspects.
46
What has Yasir Suleiman studied regarding language and identity?
The role of Arabic in shaping national and cultural identities in the Middle East ## Footnote His work focuses on identity formation in post-colonial contexts.
47
What do language policies in the Arab world aim to balance?
Linguistic unity and preservation of linguistic diversity ## Footnote Alaa Elgibali emphasizes the need for effective language policies in multilingual societies.
48
What valuable insights does Mahmoud Al-Batal provide regarding language contact?
Dynamics of multilingualism and linguistic change ## Footnote His research contributes to understanding how languages interact in the Arab world.
49
What is the historical context of French influence on Algerian Arabic?
Colonial period from 1830 to 1962 ## Footnote French colonization introduced significant changes to language use in Algeria.
50
How did Turkish influence Algerian Arabic during the Ottoman period?
Limited to specific domains, mainly administration and military ## Footnote Turkish impact was not as pervasive as French, focusing on certain lexical areas.
51
What characterized the lexical borrowing from French in Algerian Arabic?
Extensive across multiple domains like technology and education ## Footnote Examples include words like 'tilifizyun' (television) and 'université' (university).
52
What is a common phenomenon among educated Algerians regarding language use?
Code-switching between French and Algerian Arabic ## Footnote This practice reflects the bilingual nature of Algerian society.
53
What is the sociolinguistic role of French in Algeria?
Associated with education, modernity, and elite status ## Footnote This creates a linguistic divide between different social groups.
54
What is the sociolinguistic perception of Turkish influence on Algerian Arabic?
Viewed as a historical legacy with limited contemporary relevance ## Footnote Turkish influence is often associated with Algeria's Ottoman past.
55
What are the primary domains of Turkish loanwords in Algerian Arabic?
Administration, military, and cuisine ## Footnote Examples include 'bacha' (pasha) and 'dolma' (stuffed vegetables).
56
How does French influence the phonology of Algerian Arabic?
Influences pronunciation patterns, especially in urban areas ## Footnote The French 'r' sound may replace Arabic sounds like غ (gh) or خ (kh).
57
What does the comparison of French and Turkish influence on Algerian Arabic reveal?
Distinct historical and sociolinguistic contexts ## Footnote French has a pervasive impact, while Turkish is more limited and historical.
58
Fill in the blank: The influence of French on Algerian Arabic is largely associated with _______.
[colonialism and modernity]
59
True or False: Turkish loanwords in Algerian Arabic are widely used in everyday speech.
False ## Footnote Turkish influence is limited and does not lead to widespread code-switching.
60
What does Mohamed Benrabah say about the linguistic landscape of Algeria?
It is a mosaic of influences reflecting conquest, adaptation, and resilience ## Footnote His insights highlight the complexity of Algeria's linguistic interactions.

Sociolinguistics (4 decks)

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