Examples for Language Components

In Chile some people say /tʃomba/ and others say /tʃompa/, but they mean the same thing.

This is an example of:

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

The focus of the example is the phonetic variation within the same linguistic variant of Spanish. There is no change in meaning.

"The burger ate the boy" is an example of odd...

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

The sentence is syntactically correct, but the Meaning of the words do not fit their "roles"

"hoy no se fía, mañana sí" means that every day you visit the store, you wont be able to buy on credit, because you're a day early for the offer.

This is an example of...

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

The sentence is correct both semantically and syntactically. However, there is a "hidden" meaning that states: I won't sell on credit. Ever.

Your mom knows that you were the last person to enter the house. When she asks "Who left the door open?" You know she wants yo give you an earful.

This is an example of...

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

She's asking the question on purpose, even whe she knows who left the door open. This carries a "hidden" message in the form of Indirect speech.

A friend of yours says "voy a dar la prueba así nomás, a lo maldito", meaning that he/she is not prepared, but will face it recklessly.

This is an example of...

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

Despite the expression "a lo maldito" is not using its literal meaning, it is a popular agreement that it means reckless or risky.

As an English learner, you know that it is not the same to say /bed/ /ded/ /bet/ or /det/.

You know this because of...

• Phonetics

• Phonology

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

Phonology deals with more generalized sounds that actually change meaning of words.

In English the sentence: "in the sky the plane is flying " is odd because it is not following the rules of...

• Phonetics

• Syntax

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

In English, the common syntactic order is

S(NP) + VP + O (NP)

Therefore, despite we get the general meaning, the example is rather difficult to read because of syntax.

In English the word "disvincible" is odd because it is not following the rules of...

• Morphology

• Syntax

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

In English, the prefix "dis" doesn't connect to the stem "vinci" + "ble".

The best alternative would be "in"+"vinci"+"ble".

"So, I got cold feet right before getting on the rollercoaster and I didn't take the ride"

Here, the expression "I got cold feet" is an example of

• Morphology

• Syntax

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

Despite "get cold feet" has both a literal and a figurative meaning, any of those are an "agreement" and they are not showing any form of "hidden" meaning. Thus, they relate more to Semantics.

When you see this advertisement, you know that they are not selling babies. This is an effect of...

• Morphology

• Syntax

• Pragmatics

• Semantics

Answer explanation

In pragmatics, there are elements external to the text that provide modification to the semantic meaning of things. In this case, context and inference let you know that the sale is for baby clothing or items. Not the babies themselves!