This unit introduces the idea of thinking scientifically about language by making empirical observations rather than judgments of correctness.
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Check Yourself
1. What does it mean to say that Linguistics is a science?
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The field consists of a set of true facts that can be proven objectively.
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The field uses the scientific method to determine objective rankings of language quality.
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The field uses empirical observations to develop theories of language behaviour.
2. Each of the following sentences represents something someone might say about language. Which of them illustrates a descriptive view of language?
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The use of quotative
like
in sentences such as, “She was like, I can’t believe you did that!” began to enter Canadian English with the generation of speakers born in 1971.
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The song “I can’t get no satisfaction” should really mean that “I can get some satisfaction” because two negatives always make a positive.
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In a phrase like, “the people who the bride invited to the wedding,” it’s proper to use
whom
rather than
who
.
3. Which of the following kinds of data would a linguist be likely to observe?
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Which method is most effective to help a child stop stuttering.
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Whether Korean includes tones that change the meaning of words.
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How many undergraduates can correctly use the words
affect
and
effect
in their essays.
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If second-language speakers can pronounce English words correctly.
Answers