What are the two key elements in Noam Chomsky's definition of Universal Grammar?

In Noam Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar (UG), language understanding depends on two primary elements: 'Principles' (features common to all human languages) and 'Parameters' or 'Variables' (the ways in which these properties can vary across different languages).

How does B.F. Skinner's view on language learning differ from Noam Chomsky's?

B.F. Skinner proposed a behaviorist view, arguing that children learn language through imitation and reinforcement. In contrast, Noam Chomsky argued for an 'innateness' theory, suggesting humans are born with a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) and a pre-set universal grammar.

What is the difference between a phoneme and a morpheme in linguistics?

A 'phoneme' is the smallest unit of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another (e.g., the 'p' in 'pat'), while a 'morpheme' is the smallest unit of meaning, such as a root word or a suffix (e.g., the 'un-' in 'unhappy').

What term is used to describe words with the same pronunciation but different meanings?

Words that sound the same but have different meanings (and often different spellings) are known as 'Homophones'. If they share the same spelling and sound but have different meanings, they are called 'Homonyms'.

UGC NET English Aug 2024 Solved PYQs | Language & Linguistics (Shift 1)

By NerdSchool Team

Q.80

Q. A ‘palindrome’ is—

1) A recantation in song or verse

2) A play on words by alteration of letters

3) A word or sentence which reads the same both ways

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 3 (A word or sentence which reads the same both ways)

Explanation: A palindrome is a word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backward as forward. The term comes from the Greek palin dromein, meaning "to run back again."

Examples:

Words: Madam, Level, Civic, Radar.
Phrases: "A man, a plan, a canal: Panama."

Q.81

Q. Match List I (Term) with List II (Definition):

List I (Term)

List II (Definition)

(A) EPIGRAM

(I) An inferior or derivative follower of a more distinguished writer

(B) EPIGONE

(II) The slurring or suppression of a vowel sound or syllable

(III) A short poem with a witty turn of thought or a wittily condensed expression in prose

(D) ELISION

(IV) A term used in modern narratology to designate the narrated events as a level distinct from that of the narration

Choose the correct option:

1. (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)

2. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)

3. (A)-(I), (B)-(IV), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)

4. (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 4

Correct Matches & Key Explanations:

Epigram (A–III): A short, pithy statement or poem. Famous examples include Oscar Wilde’s witty remarks or Alexander Pope’s couplets.
Epigone (B–I): From the Greek epigonos (born after). It refers to second-generation followers who lack the genius of their predecessors.
Diegesis (C–IV): A core concept in narratology. While mimesis is showing, diegesis is the telling of the story within the fictional world.
Elision (D–II): The omission of a sound (e.g., "o'er" instead of "over") to maintain the rhythmic meter of a poem.

Q.82

Q. What does ‘an eponymous’ character mean?

1) An eponymous character is essentially devilish in nature

2) An eponymous character gives his or her name to the title of the work

3) An eponymous character is intriguing in nature

4) An eponymous character is superfluous in the plot

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 2 (An eponymous character gives his or her name to the title of the work)

Explanation: The term originates from the Greek eponymos, meaning "giving name." In literature, it refers to a protagonist whose name appears in the book's title.

Common Examples:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Emma by Jane Austen
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Q.83

Q. Which statement among the following rightly defines an epithet?

1) An adjective / adjectival phrase that condemns the protagonist of a story/novel

2) An adjective/adjectival phrase used to define a characteristic quality or attribute of some person or thing

3) An adjective/adjectival phrase suited for inscription on a tomb or memorial

4) A rhetorical figure by which the same word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive lines

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 2 (An adjective/adjectival phrase used to define a characteristic quality or attribute of some person or thing)

Explanation: An epithet is a descriptive term used to characterize a person or thing. It effectively becomes a "tag" for that person. It is very common in Epic poetry (Homeric epithets).

Common Examples:

Homeric: "The wine-dark sea" or "Swift-footed Achilles."
Historical: "Alfred the Great" or "Richard the Lionheart."

Distinction Note: Option 3 actually defines an Epitaph (writing on a tombstone), and Option 4 defines Epistrophe. Students often confuse these 'Epi-' terms!

Q.84

Q. Match List I (Linguistic / Grammatical Term) with List II (Meaning / Definition):

List I

List II

(A) Portmanteau word

(I) Study of the historical development of languages over time

(B) Philology

(II) Used for establishing an atmosphere and the communication of feelings rather than ideas

(III) A word formed by combining two or more words

(D) Phantom word

(IV) A word that exists through the error of a scribe, printer, or lexicographer

Choose the correct option:

1. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)

2. (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

3. (A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)

4. (A)-(I), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 2

Correct Matches & Definitions:

Portmanteau word (A–III): A term popularized by Lewis Carroll. It is a "blend" word where parts of multiple words are combined (e.g., Brunch = Breakfast + Lunch).
Philology (B–I): The branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages.
Phatic Language (C–II): Communication used to perform a social function (like "How are you?") rather than to convey specific information. It establishes social rapport.
Phantom word (D–IV): Also known as a "ghost word," these are mistakes that accidentally enter a language's vocabulary via transcription errors (e.g., "Dord").

Q.85

Q. Which statement among the following is rightly an ‘invective’?

1) Denunciatory, abusive or vituperative speech or writing

2) Eulogizing speech, writing or act of a person

3) Speech or writing that establishes the belief in God

4) Speech or writing that is essentially appreciative of a person

View Correct Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: 1 (Denunciatory, abusive or vituperative speech or writing)

Explanation: An invective is a direct verbal attack. It uses strong, harsh language to denounce a subject. In literature, it is often a tool of satire or dramatic conflict.

Literary Examples:

Shakespeare’s King Lear: Lear’s harsh verbal attacks on his daughters.
John Dryden: Often used masterful invective in his satirical poems like Mac Flecknoe to attack rival poets.

Key Contrast: Option 2 defines a Eulogy (high praise), which is the exact opposite of an invective.

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