Lecture 4

Question 1

Diglossia definition according to Ferguson.

Answer 1

Diglossia is a relatively stable language situation in which, in addition to the primary dialects of the language (which may include a standard or regional standards), there is a very divergent, highly codified (often grammatically more complex).

Question 2

It is situation in which two languages (or two varieties of the same language) are used under different conditions within a community, often by the same speakers.

Answer 2

Diglossia

Question 3

The term is usually applied to languages with distinct ‘high’ and ‘low’ (colloquial) varieties, such as Arabic.

Answer 3

Diglossia

Question 4

3 Features of Diglossia:

Answer 4

1. Two distinct varieties of the same language are used in the community with one regarded as a high variety (H) and the other a low (L) variety.
2. Each variety is used for distinct functions; H and L complement each other.
3. No one uses the H variety in everyday conversation.

Question 5

Arab-speaking countries use classical Arabic as their H variety and regional colloquial varieties as L variety. This is an example of ________.

Answer 5

Diglossia

Question 6

Attitudes to the L variety are varied, mention three situations.

Answer 6

• Many parts of Switzerland people use L variety all the time.
• In another country H variety is used as a normal means of communication and the L variety is used only locally.
• People May rate the L variety very low.

Question 7

Each code or variety has a different function. ( )

Answer 7

V

Each variety is used for distinct functions; H and L complement each other.

Question 8

Literature is generally written in H rather than L, but there may be a rich oral literature in L. ( )

Answer 8

V

Question 9

A situation when a community regularly uses more than two languages for distinct purposes.

Answer 9

Polyglossia

Question 10

It is not possible for two varieties to exist side by side for centuries. ( )

Answer 10

X

It is possible. For example, Arab-speaking and Haiti.

Question 11

one variety may displace the other. ( )

Answer 11

V
For example, Latin was used as the H language in Europe until the L varieties like English and French expanded into more formal domains.

Question 12

French was the language of the court, administration, the legal system and high society in general. English was the language of the peasants in the fields and the streets. provide a nice illustration of this relationship.

Answer 12

English  French     English
ox           boeuf         → beef
sheep    mouton       → mutton
calf        veau             → veal
pig          porc            → pork

Question 13

It is nearly universal that in all speech communities, people use different varieties or codes in formal contexts, such as religious and legal ceremonies , as opposed to relaxed casual situations. ( )

Answer 13

V

Question 14

Mere is Maori and although the rest of the meeting will be conducted in English, Sarah switches to Maori to greet her. This an example of?

Answer 14

Code switching, The Maori greeting is an expression of solidarity.

Question 15

A speaker may similarly switch to another language as a ________ and shared ________ with an addressee.

Answer 15

signal of group membership

ethnicity

Question 16

speakers who are not very proficient in a second language may use brief phrases and words as a ________ .

Answer 16

Signal of group membership

Question 17

People are often aware of the fact that they code-switch. When their attention is drawn to this behavior. ( )

Answer 17

X
Unaware.
However, many tend to apologize for it, condemn it and generally indicate disapproval of mixing languages.