Language and Class

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the relationship between language and class. It covers various aspects of how language is used to express and reinforce social class distinctions.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: language and society sociolinguistics class and language
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Which linguistic feature is often associated with higher social class?

  1. Use of slang

  2. Use of non-standard grammar

  3. Use of formal vocabulary

  4. Use of colloquialisms


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

In many societies, the use of formal vocabulary is seen as a marker of higher social class. This is because formal vocabulary is often associated with education and professional settings, which are typically dominated by higher-class individuals.

What is the term for the use of language to maintain or reinforce social class boundaries?

  1. Linguistic discrimination

  2. Linguistic hegemony

  3. Linguistic capital

  4. Linguistic stratification


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Linguistic stratification refers to the use of language to create and maintain social hierarchies. This can be done through the use of different dialects, accents, or vocabulary, which can be used to signal social class membership.

Which of the following is an example of linguistic discrimination?

  1. Refusing to hire someone because of their accent

  2. Making fun of someone's way of speaking

  3. Using derogatory terms to refer to a particular social class

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Linguistic discrimination can take many forms, including refusing to hire someone because of their accent, making fun of someone's way of speaking, and using derogatory terms to refer to a particular social class. All of these actions are discriminatory because they are based on someone's language use, which is often associated with their social class.

What is the term for the idea that language is a tool that can be used to achieve social mobility?

  1. Linguistic capital

  2. Linguistic hegemony

  3. Linguistic stratification

  4. Linguistic discrimination


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Linguistic capital refers to the idea that language can be used as a resource to achieve social mobility. This is because language skills are often valued in the workplace and in education, and they can help individuals to access better jobs and opportunities.

Which of the following is an example of linguistic capital?

  1. Having a strong command of standard English

  2. Being able to speak multiple languages

  3. Being able to write effectively

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Linguistic capital can take many forms, including having a strong command of standard English, being able to speak multiple languages, and being able to write effectively. All of these skills can be valuable in the workplace and in education, and they can help individuals to access better jobs and opportunities.

What is the term for the idea that language is a neutral and objective tool that can be used to describe the world in an unbiased way?

  1. Linguistic relativism

  2. Linguistic determinism

  3. Linguistic hegemony

  4. Linguistic stratification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Linguistic relativism is the idea that language is a neutral and objective tool that can be used to describe the world in an unbiased way. This view holds that language does not influence the way we think about the world, and that it simply reflects the reality that we experience.

What is the term for the idea that language can influence the way we think about the world?

  1. Linguistic relativism

  2. Linguistic determinism

  3. Linguistic hegemony

  4. Linguistic stratification


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Linguistic determinism is the idea that language can influence the way we think about the world. This view holds that the structure of language can limit the way we conceptualize reality, and that it can even shape our beliefs and values.

Which of the following is an example of linguistic determinism?

  1. The fact that some languages have different words for different colors

  2. The fact that some languages have different grammatical structures

  3. The fact that some languages have different ways of expressing emotions

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Linguistic determinism can take many forms, including the fact that some languages have different words for different colors, the fact that some languages have different grammatical structures, and the fact that some languages have different ways of expressing emotions. All of these differences can influence the way that speakers of those languages think about the world.

What is the term for the idea that one language or dialect is inherently superior to others?

  1. Linguistic relativism

  2. Linguistic determinism

  3. Linguistic hegemony

  4. Linguistic stratification


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Linguistic hegemony is the idea that one language or dialect is inherently superior to others. This view often leads to the marginalization and discrimination of speakers of other languages or dialects.

Which of the following is an example of linguistic hegemony?

  1. The fact that English is the official language of many countries

  2. The fact that some languages are considered to be more prestigious than others

  3. The fact that some languages are used more widely in the media and in education

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Linguistic hegemony can take many forms, including the fact that English is the official language of many countries, the fact that some languages are considered to be more prestigious than others, and the fact that some languages are used more widely in the media and in education. All of these factors can contribute to the marginalization and discrimination of speakers of other languages or dialects.

What is the term for the study of the relationship between language and social class?

  1. Sociolinguistics

  2. Dialectology

  3. Historical linguistics

  4. Comparative linguistics


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sociolinguistics is the study of the relationship between language and social class. This field of study examines how language is used to express and reinforce social class distinctions, and how language can be used to achieve social mobility.

Which of the following is a key concept in sociolinguistics?

  1. Speech community

  2. Social network

  3. Dialect

  4. Register


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Speech community is a key concept in sociolinguistics. It refers to a group of people who share a common language or dialect, and who use language in similar ways. Speech communities can be defined by a variety of factors, including geography, ethnicity, social class, and occupation.

What is the term for the different ways that a language can be used in different social contexts?

  1. Dialect

  2. Register

  3. Style

  4. Accent


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Register is the term for the different ways that a language can be used in different social contexts. Register is determined by a variety of factors, including the formality of the situation, the relationship between the speaker and the listener, and the purpose of the communication.

Which of the following is an example of a register?

  1. Formal English

  2. Informal English

  3. Slang

  4. Technical jargon


Correct Option:
Explanation:

All of the above are examples of registers. Formal English is used in formal settings, such as academic writing and public speaking. Informal English is used in casual settings, such as conversations with friends and family. Slang is a type of informal language that is often used by young people. Technical jargon is a type of specialized language that is used in particular fields, such as medicine and law.

What is the term for the study of the relationship between language and power?

  1. Discourse analysis

  2. Critical linguistics

  3. Political linguistics

  4. Sociolinguistics


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Critical linguistics is the study of the relationship between language and power. This field of study examines how language is used to maintain and reinforce social inequalities, and how language can be used to challenge and resist oppression.

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