English L&L Rev Sheet

What is the main purpose of studying linguistics?

To understand how language works, how it is structured, how it is used in society, and how it reflects human thought & communication.

What is the difference between syntax and semantics?

Syntax is the study of sentence structure, while semantics focuses on the meanings of words & sentences.

Why do sociolinguists study dialect and accents?

To understand how language use varies across different social groups and regions, & how it relates to identity & culture.

How does pragmatics help us understand language in everyday situations?

It explains how meaning is shaped by context, such as understanding jokes, irony, or indirect requests.

What role do environmental factors play in language acquisition?

They help shape how children learn language by providing interaction, exposure, & communication opportunities.

Why is it important to recognize sign languages as full languages?

Because they have their own grammar and vocabulary, and they expand our understanding of what language is.

What is one way language influences how we think?

Language can shape our perceptions and how we understand the world around us.

What is the first aspect of language children begin to learn?

They usually begin with recognizing and producing speech sounds (phonetics).

Why should knowledge of phonetics be included when teaching young learners?

It helps children develop correct pronunciation and sound recognition early in language learning.

What is the first thing we should be teaching in schools, especially in kindergartens (KGs)? Explain why.

We should teach basic communication skills-like listening and speaking-because they are the foundation for later language and social development.

What role does linguistics play in helping us understand human communication?

Linguistics helps us understand how language works, how it is structured, and how it connects individuals across cultures and societies. It reveals how language shapes meaning and human interaction.

Why is phonetics important when studying how people speak?

Phonetics helps us analyze the physical sounds of speech, allowing us to understand pronunciation and how sounds are produced in different languages.

How does the environment impact a child's language development?

Children learn language more effectively in rich environments where they interact frequently with caregivers and are exposed to lots of spoken language.

Explain how language can reflect a person's identity.

Language reflects identity by showing cultural background, region, age, or social group through accents, vocabulary, and speaking style.

What is one reason languages are constantly changing?

Languages change as society, technology, and communication evolve-new words are created, old ones fade, and meanings shift over time.

How do gestures and facial expressions play a role in communication, especially in sign languages?

In sign languages, gestures and facial expressions are crucial as they add meaning, emotion, and grammatical detail to what is being signed.

What can studying dialects teach us about a community or culture?

Studying dialects shows how people from different regions or groups speak, reflecting their history, values, and social connections.

How is meaning in language more than just the dictionary definition of words?

Meaning also depends on context, tone, and situation-pragmatics helps explain how people understand indirect or implied messages.

Why do linguists study both first and second language acquisition?

Studying both helps understand how humans learn language naturally and how they acquire new languages later, which supports teaching and learning strategies.