- Describe the major stages of development in child language acquisition, giving examples from at least two for the following areas: sound, syntax, vocabulary and semantics.
- What is Chomsky’s view of first language acquisition? Explain clearly Give three pieces of evidence that have prompted Chomsky to argue against the behaviorist view of language acquisition.
- What is behaviorist view of language acquisition? Explain clearly
- Consider the statement: Production always lags behind perception/comprehension. Explain clearly
The early story of English
- Discuss the major events (events that had significant effects on English language) that took place in the history of English language during Early Modern English Period.
- Discuss the major events (events that had significant effects on English language) that took place in the history of English language during Middle English Period.
- Discuss the major events (events that had significant effects on English language) that took place in the history of English language during Old English Period.
- Discuss the major characteristics (morphology, syntax, phonology and vocabulary) of Old English.
- Discuss the major characteristics (morphology, syntax, phonology and vocabulary) of Middle English.
- Explain, using clear examples from the data set, the methodology used in historical
(comparative) reconstruction, and how it leads to the construction of “proto-Indo-
European.” (use the data given)
English goes global
- Why do language varieties become different or similar? Explain the various factors clearly.
- Discuss the phonological, grammatical features of African-American English.
- Discuss language stereotypes and language discrimination regarding African American English in a paragraph.
- What do we mean when we say that English is a global language?
- What do we mean by the phrase “Standard English”?