Language Proficiency Sociolinguistics and Register

Question 1

A job applicant writes 'I would like to express my interest in the position' in a cover letter but texts a friend 'I'm gonna go for that job lol.' This difference is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Register variation — adjusting language formality to suit the audience and context

Answer

A grammatical error in the text message

Answer

Code-switching between two different languages

Answer

A dialect difference between two regional varieties

Question 2

In sociolinguistics, 'code-switching' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a single conversation or utterance

Answer

Using secret or encrypted language to protect private information

Answer

Translating a written document from one language into another

Answer

Correcting grammatical errors while speaking

Question 3

Which of the following factors does NOT typically influence a speaker's choice of register?

Accepted Answer

The physical height of the person being addressed

Answer

The social relationship between speaker and listener

Answer

The setting where the communication takes place

Answer

The purpose or goal of the communication

Question 4

A linguist notes that in a particular community, speakers use one variety of language at home and a different variety at school or work. This pattern is called:

Accepted Answer

Diglossia

Answer

Hypercorrection

Answer

Lexical borrowing

Answer

Phonological assimilation

Question 5

Which sentence demonstrates hypercorrection in formal speech?

Accepted Answer

'Between you and I, the plan seems risky.' (used instead of 'between you and me')

Answer

'She and I went to the store.'

Answer

'Who called?' (used instead of 'Whom called?')

Answer

'I will be attending the conference tomorrow.'

Question 6

When a doctor speaks with a child patient, they say 'Does your tummy hurt?' rather than 'Are you experiencing abdominal pain?' This adjustment is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Audience design — modifying language to suit the listener's age and comprehension level

Answer

Pidginization

Answer

A dialect shift caused by geographical relocation

Answer

Phonological reduction under fast speech conditions