Linguistics and Language

What is the primary function of language?

• To express emotions

• To transmit information

• To control others

• To write literature

Speech and language are the same.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Language includes both written and spoken forms, while speech refers specifically to vocal communication.

In speech, people often use simpler sentence structures than in writing.

• True

• False

The smallest unit of speech is called an/a ..................., while the smallest unit of written language is a .................

A speaker’s communicative skills determine their linguistic performance.

• True

• False

Which term refers to a person’s knowledge of a linguistic system, including sounds, structures, and meanings?

• Linguistic performance

• Linguistic competence

• Phonetics

• Pragmatics

Match the following linguistic fields with their focus areas:

• Study of speech sounds in physical aspec

• Morphology

• Study of word formation

• Syntax

• Study of meaning

• Semantics

• Study of sentence structure

• Phonetics

Applied linguistics focuses solely on theoretical aspects of language.

• True

• False

Which branch of linguistics studies how language is used in social contexts?

• Syntax

• Semantics

• Pragmatics

• Morphology

.................... linguistics is concerned with the practical application of language knowledge, while ..................... linguistics focuses on theories about language.