ACADEMIC READING
AUTUMN TERM 2010
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. The definition of language. The defining characteristics of language. Can we think without language?
Does language influence thought?
2. How efficient is language? Explain and give your own examples of what is meant by the following
metaphors on language: Language is a tool, a map, a weapon, a toy, a surrogate, a mask.
3. What is linguistics? Linguistics and traditional grammar. Branches of linguistics (scope of linguistics).
The development of linguistics as a science.
4. How would you define taboo and euphemism (dysphemism, cacophemism)? What sociolinguistic
factors can influence the appearance of new taboos?
5. What are the four characteristics of non-standard language? Slang. Why do people use slang forms?
6. Explain the concept of semantic change. What are the six categories of semantic change identified in the
Internet lexicon?
7. Is translation possible? Gaps in different languages. Full, partial and zero correspondence between
languages.
8. Could there be a world language?
9. Human language and animal language (Can other animals speak? Are people genetically preprogrammed to speak? etc.)
10. Silent communication vs. small talk (Compare and describe how the !Kung and the Western Apache
use speech and silence in their social lives. What other ethnic communities/nations prefer silent
communication to “small talk”? Compare the “great talkers” with the silent ones.)
11. Cultural programming vs. universal human characteristics. Define and describe each supporting by
examples. Which famous personalities would you consider to be the influential ‘deviants’ of your culture?
Why?
12. What questions related to humour have been pointed out by the author? Is there such a thing as national
humor? How does the author define international humor? Think of your own examples regarding the two
types mentioned. What about using humour in the international business context? What can be expressed
by laughter? (From Seminar 10. Different Languages, Different Worlds).
13. Define and compare linear-active and multi-active cultures, their different relation to time. How can
both types of cultures benefit from mutual communication? Where would you place the Lithuanians (your
nation) into the linear-active / multi-active scale? What other types of cultures can be singled out?
14. What is the main idea of B. Whorf’s theory? Why and when does it become important? What is the role
of language in organizing people’s experience of the reality? Why do you think the Zulus need 39 words
for “green”, the Eskimos 42 words for “snow”?
15. When and how might people be subjected to culture shock? Which cultures would you consider to be
“friendly “ and “alien” to your own culture? Why? Where do the barriers to communication arise from?
16. Prototype theory.
17. How would you describe Netspeak and textese?
18. Types of reading. Purposes for reading. The top-down and bottom-up approaches in reading.