BTLPT BTLPT Sociolinguistics and Language Variation

Question 1

What does 'code-switching' mean in a bilingual educational context?

Accepted Answer

Alternating between two languages within or across utterances

Answer

Code-switching refers to the practice of alternating between two languages, which is common and linguistically sophisticated among bilinguals.

Question 2

In BTLPT preparation, understanding 'diglossia' is important because it describes:

Accepted Answer

A situation where two language varieties serve distinct social functions in a community

Answer

Diglossia describes communities where a 'high' variety is used in formal settings and a 'low' variety in informal ones, affecting bilingual instruction.

Question 3

Which term describes the variety of Spanish spoken by Mexican-Americans in the US Southwest?

Accepted Answer

Chicano Spanish

Answer

Chicano Spanish is a recognized dialect of Spanish spoken by Mexican-Americans in the US Southwest, with unique lexical and phonological features.

Question 4

What is 'language attrition' as it relates to BTLPT bilingual education candidates?

Accepted Answer

Gradual loss of proficiency in a language due to reduced use

Answer

Language attrition is the gradual decline of proficiency in a language — often the heritage language — when it is not regularly used.

Question 5

For BTLPT purposes, 'additive bilingualism' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Developing a second language while maintaining and valuing the first

Answer

Additive bilingualism promotes learning a new language while maintaining the home language, which research shows leads to better academic outcomes.

BTLPT - Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

BTLPT - Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test Practice Test

BTLPT BTLPT Sociolinguistics and Language Variation