CTEL CTEL Language Structure and Linguistics 3

Question 1

What is the term for the smallest unit of sound that distinguishes meaning in a language?

Accepted Answer

Phoneme

Answer

A phoneme is the smallest contrastive sound unit in a language; changing one phoneme can change a word's meaning (e.g., /p/ vs. /b/ in 'pat' vs. 'bat').

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'language transfer' in second language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

The influence of a learner's native language on their L2 production

Answer

Language transfer occurs when L1 patterns, both positively and negatively, influence how learners produce or interpret their second language.

Question 3

What is 'fossilization' in the context of second language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

The stabilization of non-target-like features in a learner's interlanguage

Answer

Fossilization refers to the phenomenon where certain non-native-like features become permanently fixed in a learner's interlanguage despite continued exposure and instruction.

Question 4

In the context of English phonology, what distinguishes 'voiced' from 'voiceless' consonants?

Accepted Answer

Vibration of the vocal cords

Answer

Voiced consonants (like /b/, /d/, /g/) are produced with vocal cord vibration, while voiceless consonants (like /p/, /t/, /k/) are produced without it.

Question 5

Which concept describes the idea that language shapes or influences thought?

Accepted Answer

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Answer

The Sapir-Whorf (or Linguistic Relativity) Hypothesis proposes that the language people speak influences how they perceive and think about the world.

CTEL Exam Practice Test

CTEL Exam Practice Test

CTEL CTEL Language Structure and Linguistics 3