Linguistic assignment

LING 210: Assignment #2 Name:

Due in class on Thursday, June 2

Your answers must be typed and double spaced (Font: Times New Roman, 12 point). You must answer them in your own words. Proofread and edit your answers before you hand them in. (33 points)

1) Define and/or answer the following terms completely and clearly. a. Proto-Indo-European language b. Cognates c. The comparative reconstruction d. Germanic Family of Languages e. Dialects f. Social networks g. Isoglosses h. William Labov i. Hans Kurath j. Samuel Johnson a. Give approximate dates of the beginning and end of Old English Period, Middle

English Period and early Modern English Period

2) Do ONE of the following: (6 points) a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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.

3) Do ONE of the following: (6 points) a. Why do language varieties become different or similar? Explain the various

factors clearly. b. Discuss the phonological, grammatical features of African-American English. c. Discuss language stereotypes and language discrimination in a paragraph.