Study Guide G11 ~ English First Additional Language: Language
English in South Africa INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE We live in a country with 11 official languages that are recognised in our constitution. One of these is English. Even though only about 8% of the population speaks English as a first language, it does have a twofold role in South Africa: In the first place it can be seen (along with Afrikaans and Zulu) as the so-called lingua franca or universal medium of communication through which speakers of different languages can understand each other. It is also the only official language that is widely used in other countries, which means that it is an important medium for international trade, politics, popular entertainment, like television or cinema, academia and research and it is also widely used on the Internet and in other forms of computer communication. (Adapted and reworked from The South African Oxford School Dictionary and various other sources.) Now answer the questions below. 1.
Say whether the following statements are TRUE/FALSE and quote to motivate your answer.
REMEMBER! A quote is placed between inverted commas and should be as brief and to the point as possible. Quote only the relevant phrase, but be careful to ensure that the proof is in your quote! 1.1
Once a meaning has been attached to a word it cannot change.
(2)
1.2
Old English was very different from the English spoken today.
(2)
1.3
William the Conqueror invaded England from France.
(2)
1.4
If it had not been for the English knights, the French language would have become the only language in England.
(2)
1.5
Australian English developed at the same time as American English.
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(2) [10]
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