Deck 5: Social Variation in American English

Question 1

Which of the following is TRUE about Social Network Theory?

A) It shows that the only types of social networks that can influence speech are high density networks with strong multiplex ties
B) It investigates the new changes in language that are promoted through social networking sites and other social media
C) It shows that media, including social networks, are making American English more homogenous
D) In a high density social network, the central member knows most of the other network members, who generally do not know each other
E) Low density networks generally display few, if any, multiplex ties

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Which of the following is TRUE about the Observer's Paradox?

A) The use of recording equipment in an interview setting overcomes the Observer's Paradox by allowing respondents to understand that they are participating in scientific research
B) The use of the "Danger of Death" question overcomes the Observer's Paradox by making respondents focus on what they are saying as opposed to how they are saying it
C) The presence of friends and family is discouraged in sociolinguistic interviews if one wants to overcome the Observer's Paradox
D) While the Observer's Paradox is highly problematic for studying social variables, it is not a problem for studying regional speech
E) Focusing on linguistic features that are group exclusive is a good way to overcome the Observer's Paradox

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following linguistic features is NOT commonly associated with adolescent speech?

A) Up-talk
B) Creaky voice
C) Post-vocalic /r/ deletion
D) Non-standard quotatives
E) Increased use of slang

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Adolescent language is defined as:

A) Linguistic innovations that are given authority because of their association with younger speakers
B) The development of creaky voice due to physical changes during puberty
C) The extension of like into quotative usage
D) Sloppy English
E) Language used during a socially constructed time of life

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of slang?

A) It can be used to signal group membership
B) It can be used to circumvent socially taboo subjects
C) It is often used to add humor
D) It is associated primarily, but not exclusively with adolescents
E) It is used specifically for concepts for which there are no other words already in use

Question 6

Which of the following refers to an abstract linguistic unit manifested in speech by different variants with the same meaning or function?

A) Group exclusive
B) Group preferential
C) Social variable
D) Linguistic variable
E) Vernacular variable

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT true about research in language, gender, and sexuality?

A) Researchers generally take the approach that sex refers to a binomial, biological construct while gender refers to a more fluid, social construct
B) While language can reflect many different aspects of a person's identity, such as regionality or ethnicity, research has found that the connection between language and gender has the largest effect on one's idiolect
C) Even though people have researched sexist language for decades, there is no one standard way that is taught and/or can be used for avoiding sexist language
D) Lakoff's discussion of how "women's language" differed from "men's language" included such findings as women tell fewer jokes, use more descriptive terms, and use more tag questions
E) Much of the current research in the field investigates language as a reflection of sexual orientation and/or gender identity

Question 8

In an article in Emory Magazine, the author talks about the high level of class discussion that she observed in a particular undergraduate classroom. She then says: ""… the most striking fact about their discussion is that they are all freshmen. Teenagers. No matter how they may behave in other settings, in