PC PRELIMS

World Englishes

A field in sociolinguistics that studies the global spread of English and its socio-linguistic implications.

Sociolinguistics

The study of how social factors influence language use and variation.

WE-ness

A concept emphasizing the shared identity among speakers of different English varieties, rejecting the native vs. nonnative dichotomy.

Linguistic analysis

The examination of language structure and use, focusing on description rather than prescription.

Generative Approach

A linguistic theory that prioritizes competence over performance, focusing on idealized language use.

Free variation

Language forms that are not governed by strict linguistic rules, allowing for multiple acceptable expressions.

Acrolect

A high-prestige variety of language, often associated with formal or standard usage (Queen’s English).

Mesolect

A mid-prestige variety of language, representing a blend of formal and informal usage (Manchester English).

Basilect

A low-prestige variety of language, often associated with informal or colloquial speech (Cockney).

Communication

The process of transmitting messages between a sender and a receiver, which can be influenced by various perspectives.

Ethnocentrism

The belief in the superiority of one's own culture or nation, often leading to stereotypes and biases.

Accent bias

Discrimination based on a person's accent, which can affect their identity and social acceptance.

Kachru’s Three Circles Model

A framework categorizing countries based on their relationship with English:Inner, Outer, and Expanding circles.

Inner Circle

• Norm Providing

• Where traditionally monolingual English native speakers come from

Outer Circle

• Norm Developing

• Colonialism by English-speaking countries

• English as official language and has comtact with local languages

Expanding Circle

• Norm Dependent

• English has no official statues and mainly used for international communication

Cross-Cultural Communication

The exchange of information between individuals from different cultural backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Active Listening

A communication skill that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said.

Information Overload

The difficulty in processing large amounts of information, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.

Language variety

Different forms of a language influenced by factors such as region, social class, and ethnicity.

Register

Variations in language use depending on context, situation, or event.

Indigenization

The process by which a language adapts to local cultures and contexts, creating unique varieties.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in communication.

Symbolic Perspective

Communication use symbols to represent things, processes, ideas or events that makes it possible. These symbols are arbitrary construs that represent a communicator’s thought.

Etymological Perspective

The word communication is derived from the latin word “communis”, meaning common.

Unless a common understanding results from the exchange of information, there is no communication.

Interactive Perspective

Communication is the activity of conveying, information through the exchange of thoughts, messages or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, writing, or behavior.