Creole Exam Language History 4

Question 1

Which sociolinguistic term describes the range of language varieties from a creole to its superstrate, used by speakers along a continuum?

Accepted Answer

Post-creole continuum

Answer

The post-creole continuum describes the spectrum from the basilect (deep creole) to the acrolect (closest to the superstrate), through which speakers shift depending on context.

Question 2

In creole linguistics, the term 'basilect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The variety furthest from the superstrate standard

Answer

The basilect is the most divergent form of the creole, furthest from the superstrate language and typically associated with speakers with least exposure to the colonial standard.

Question 3

Which 19th-century event significantly changed the social status of Louisiana Creole speakers in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The Civil War and Reconstruction

Answer

The Civil War and Reconstruction dismantled the antebellum social hierarchy that had supported the distinct Creole community, leading many to shift to English.

Question 4

The process by which a creole language gradually loses features and shifts toward its superstrate language is called:

Accepted Answer

Decreolization

Answer

Decreolization occurs when a creole community has sustained contact with its superstrate language, leading the creole to shed distinctive features and converge toward the standard.

Question 5

Which African language group is considered the most influential substrate for Haitian Creole's tonal and grammatical features?

Accepted Answer

Fon-Ewe and other Gbe languages

Answer

The Gbe languages, including Fon and Ewe from the Bight of Benin region, are widely recognized as the primary African substrate influencing Haitian Creole's grammar.

Creole Exam Practice Test

Creole Exam Practice Test

Creole Exam Language History 4