First Diaspora (self-generated)

What contributed to the formation of AAVE in America?

• Pidgins formed between West African languages spoken by slaves and English spoken by the masters

• Creoles from various pidgins

• West African nannies speaking to the babies of their white masters

• Continued language contact over the years

Answer explanation

AAVE formed through the blending of West African languages and English, creating pidgins. Over time, these pidgins evolved into creoles, influenced by continued language contact among communities.

Why did English become the main language of America despite the fact that many other countries also settled in America?

• Because the settlers from other countries were weak

• English settlers arrived earlier and had more time to take over more land

• Settlers from other countries took over parts of America, but were scattered and not united in power

• English settlers had the political and economic power of England to back them up.

Answer explanation

English became dominant because English settlers arrived earlier, allowing them to claim more land. Other settlers were scattered and lacked unity, while English settlers had the backing of England's political and economic power.

How did America and Britain decide what is 'standard' English?

• America divides standard and non-standard by race, not class.

• Britain divides standard and non-standard by class, not race.

• America divides standard and non-standard by race and geographical region.

• Britain divides standard and non-standard by geographical region and class.

Answer explanation

America's standard English is influenced by race, while Britain's is shaped by class distinctions. This highlights the differing societal factors that define what is considered 'standard' in each country.

Why did some of the people on American land move to Canada?

• The English "loyalists" thought that the English in America was being "corrupted" and wanted to uphold British standards

• There was not enough space for them.

• They don't want to be American.

• They wanted to colonise more land.

Answer explanation

While it is true that English 'loyalists' moved to Canada because they believed American society was becoming 'corrupted' and wanted to maintain British standards, there were also a lot of social unrest that they wanted to 'escape' from. However, the way they acquired land in Canada... is a story for another day.

What constitutes Network American English?

• A standardised form of American English resulting from dialect levelling used in media and communication.

• A standardised form of American English accent spoken by people in the capital.

• An accent that is 'not' the accents that are discriminated against.

• A regional dialect of American English spoken in the Midwest.

Answer explanation

Network American English is a standardized form resulting from dialect leveling in media and communication, making it widely understood across the U.S. The other options do not accurately describe this concept.