ENG510 Midterm Subjective 2025 by Nimma Malik

What is isogloss?

An isogloss is a geographic boundary that separates regions based on differences in linguistic features, such as pronunciation, word usage, or grammar. In other words, it's like a map line that shows where one particular way of speaking ends and another begins.

OR

The area where one item was found and areas where others were found, showing a boundary for each area called an isogloss (from Greek iso- 'same' and gloss- `tongue').

For example:

In the U.S., some people say "soda," others say "pop," and others say "coke" for a soft drink. The regions where each term is commonly used can be marked off by isoglosses.

What Is Free Variation?

Free variation refers to a situation in linguistics where two (or more) sounds, forms, or expressions can be used interchangeably without changing the meaning of a word or sentence, and without being considered incorrect by native speakers.

In simpler terms:

It's when different ways of saying something are both accepted and mean the same thing — it's just a matter of personal style, habit, or regional influence. Free variation doesn’t follow strict grammar or phonological rules

Three Measuring levels of Kachru Continuum of bilingualism?

Kachru (1969) has also discussed different types of bilingualism, and he refers to the continuum of bilingualism using three measuring points: a zero point, a central and an upper point (p.284).

Zero point refers to competence in very restricted domains such as counting. Richards (1974) gives the example of African market women who have a very limited knowledge of English that they use to attract the customers towards the items they are selling.

On the central point Kachru (1969) places the law courts, administration, civil servants and teachers.

The upper level is of those who can use English effectively for social control such as government officials.

How many major Language Varieties in Papua New Guinea. Write names

Papua New Guinea is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. It has over 800 individual languages, but when we talk about major language varieties (used by large portions of the population or with official/functional status), there are three main ones commonly recognized:

1. Tok Pisin
2. Hiri Motu
3. English

Linguists generally recognize two major language families in Papua New Guinea comprising between 700 and 800 languages, Austronesian and non-Austronesian (or Papuan).

What are the three Languages spoken by individual traveling in real but exotic world?

The phrase "individual traveling in a real but exotic world" often appears in discussions about post-colonial literature, World Englishes, or multilingual societies. It typically refers to individuals who navigate different cultures and identities, especially in former colonies where multiple languages are used.

In such a context, the three languages commonly spoken by such an individual are:

1. Mother Tongue (L1)
2. Colonial Language (L2)
3. International Language / Global English

fill in the blanks from these topics:

Language Varieties/ Lect and Language Planning.

What is Social Media??

Social media refers to online platforms and technologies that allow people to create, share, and interact with content and each other in real-time. It enables communication, networking, and the exchange of information, ideas, and media (like photos, videos, and text) across the internet.

What is Code switching and code mixing?

Code-Switching:

The alternation between two or more languages or language varieties within

a single conversation, sentence, or even phrase — but each switch follows clear grammatical boundaries.

Example:

"I told him already, but woh sun hi nahi raha tha." (English + Hindi) Translation: "I told him already, but he just wasn’t listening."

Code-Mixing:

The insertion of words or phrases from one language into another within a single sentence or structure, often more fluid and without strict boundaries.

Example:

"I’m going to the bazaar to buy some veggies." (English sentence with a Hindi/Urdu noun)

Examples of tag questions?

In Pakistani context women use more tag questions which shows the social positioning of women in our society.

❖ If the main sentence is positive, the tag is negative. → " You’re late, aren’t you?" ❖ If the main sentence is negative, the tag is positive. → " She isn’t ready, is she?"