Language & Linguistics

Section Overview: This section from the Dec 2025 exam focused heavily on Morphophonemics and ELT Methods. There are 9 questions in total.

Q77. What do we call the space between the vocal folds?
  • 1. Larynx
  • 2. Glottis
  • 3. Velum
  • 4. Tongue
Correct Answer: 2. Glottis

Explanation:

The Glottis is the physical opening or space located between the two vocal folds (vocal cords) within the larynx. It acts as a valve that controls airflow:

  • Open Glottis: Air passes freely (produces Voiceless sounds).
  • Vibrating Folds: The glottis narrows, causing vibration (produces Voiced sounds).

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

The UGC NET examination includes a dedicated section on Language and Linguistics because an English scholar must understand the scientific basis of speech production, known as Articulatory Phonetics. This specific question tests your knowledge of the human anatomy involved in speech.

Understanding the glottis is fundamental to:

  • Distinguishing between voiced and voiceless sounds: A core concept in English phonology.
  • Glottal sounds: Understanding how certain sounds (like the /h/ in "house" or the "glottal stop") are produced.
  • The mechanics of language: Moving beyond just the literature to the actual physical manifestation of the English language.

Analysis of Other Options:

  • 1. Larynx: The "Voice Box" or the entire organ that contains the vocal folds, not the specific space between them.
  • 3. Velum: The Soft Palate (roof of the mouth) used for sounds like /k/ and /g/.
  • 4. Tongue: The primary active articulator in the mouth, not located in the throat.
Q78. Arrange the following Manner of Articulation of the consonants of English in the chronological order (Degree of Stricture):

A. Close Approximation
B. Intermittent closure
C. Complete closure and sudden release
D. Complete closure and slow release
E. Open Approximation
  • 1. A, D, C, E, B
  • 2. C, D, A, E, B
  • 3. C, A, D, B, E
  • 4. A, D, C, B, E
Correct Answer: 2. C, D, A, E, B

Explanation:

In Phonetics, "chronological order" here refers to the Degree of Stricture (Obstruction) in the vocal tract, moving from Most Obstructed (Closed) to Least Obstructed (Open).

The Hierarchy:

  • C. Complete closure & sudden release: (Plosives: p, b, t, d). Total blockage.
  • D. Complete closure & slow release: (Affricates: tΚƒ, dΚ’). Blockage with friction.
  • A. Close Approximation: (Fricatives: f, v, s). Narrow gap causing friction.
  • E. Open Approximation: (Approximants: w, j, r). Wide gap, no friction.
  • B. Intermittent closure: (Trills/Taps). Repeated or single strike against the roof of the mouth.

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

This question tests mastery of Articulatory Phonetics. It is included because:

  • Technical Precision: It requires understanding the mechanical "Degree of Stricture" behind sound formation.
  • Structural Understanding: Linguists must know the hierarchy of sounds to explain phonological rules (like consonant clusters).
  • Scientific Approach: It reinforces Linguistics as a scientific study of language structure.
🎯 Exam Point: Remember the order: Plosives (Stops) have the most stricture, while Vowels have the least. Everything else falls in between.
Q79. Which of the following is an example of Functional Morpheme?
  • 1. Teach
  • 2. And
  • 3. -er
  • 4. -ed
Correct Answer: 2. And

Explanation:

In Morphology, Functional Morphemes (also called "Closed Class" words) are free morphemes that serve a grammatical purpose rather than carrying "content" meaning. They connect words together.

  • And: This is a Conjunction. It links words/phrases but has no physical imagery itself. It belongs to the "Closed Class" (we rarely invent new conjunctions).

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

The UGC NET exam includes questions on Morphology to ensure candidates understand the structural building blocks of English.

  • Grammatical Competence: It distinguishes between "content words" (Lexical) and "grammatical words" (Functional).
  • Foundation for Syntax: Understanding functional morphemes is the first step toward understanding sentence structure.

Analysis of Other Options:

  • 1. Teach: A Lexical Morpheme (Content word/Verb). It carries specific meaning and belongs to the "Open Class".
  • 3. -er: A Derivational Morpheme (Bound). It changes the word's meaning or part of speech (e.g., Teach β†’ Teacher).
  • 4. -ed: An Inflectional Morpheme (Bound). It shows grammatical tense (Past Tense) but doesn't change the word's core meaning.
🎯 Exam Point: Remember: Lexical = Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives (Open Class). Functional = Prepositions, Pronouns, Conjunctions, Articles (Closed Class).
Q80. Match LIST-I with LIST-II:

LIST-I (Component)
A. Phonology
B. Morphology
C. Syntax
D. Semantics

LIST-II (Area of language)
I. Word System of languages
II. Sentence-Structure of languages
III. Meaning
IV. Sound systems of languages
  • 1. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
  • 2. A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
  • 3. A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
  • 4. A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
Correct Answer: 1. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

Explanation:

This question covers the four fundamental levels of Linguistic study:

  • A. Phonology (IV): The study of Sound Systems and patterns in a language.
  • B. Morphology (I): The study of the Word System and how words are formed (morphemes).
  • C. Syntax (II): The study of Sentence Structure and word order.
  • D. Semantics (III): The study of Meaning in words and sentences.

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

The UGC NET English syllabus ensures candidates possess a holistic understanding of linguistic levels, which is vital for:

  • Stylistic Analysis: To analyze how an author manipulates sounds (Phonology), invents words (Morphology), and structures sentences (Syntax).
  • Pedagogical Skills: Teachers must be able to break down the English language into these scientific categories for students.
🎯 Exam Point: Don't forget the 5th level: Pragmatics, which is the study of meaning in context (how we use language in real situations).
Q81. Arrange the following words in chronological order in terms of number of syllables in particular word:

A. Demonstrate
B. Orange
C. Girl
D. Agriculture
E. Relativity
  • 1. B, E, C, D, A
  • 2. C, B, A, D, E
  • 3. C, B, E, D, A
  • 4. B, C, E, D, A
Correct Answer: 2. C, B, A, D, E

Explanation:

In this context, "chronological order" means Ascending Order (from fewest to most syllables).

Syllabic Breakdown:

  • C. Girl: 1 Syllable (Monosyllabic)
  • B. Or-ange: 2 Syllables (Disyllabic)
  • A. Dem-on-strate: 3 Syllables (Trisyllabic)
  • D. Ag-ri-cul-ture: 4 Syllables (Polysyllabic)
  • E. Rel-a-tiv-i-ty: 5 Syllables (Polysyllabic)

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

This question tests your Phonological Sensitivity (ability to "hear" the structure of a word). It is crucial because:

  • Word Stress Awareness: In English, stress placement is determined by syllable count.
  • Rhythm: Understanding syllabification is the prerequisite for mastering English Rhythm and Intonation.
  • Linguistic Classification: It requires knowledge of terms like monosyllabic, disyllabic, and polysyllabic.
🎯 Exam Point: A syllable must contain a Vowel Sound (Nucleus). Consonants alone cannot form a syllable (unless they are syllabic consonants like 'l' in "bottle").
Q82. Which of the following definitions of various social variation in language is incorrect?
  • 1. Convergence is a speech style that attempts to reduce social distance, and use forms that are similar to those used by the person we are talking to.
  • 2. A register is a conventional way of using language that is appropriate in a specific context, which may be identified as situational, occupational or topical.
  • 3. Slang describes words or phrases that are used instead of more everyday terms among younger speakers and other groups with special interests.
  • 4. Jargons are words and phrases, often involving body parts, bodily functions and sexual acts, that people avoid for reasons related to religion, politeness and prohibited behavior.
Correct Answer: 4

Explanation:

The definition in Option 4 is Incorrect because it describes Taboo Language (or Profanity), not Jargon.

  • Jargon (True Definition): Technical vocabulary associated with a specific profession or trade (e.g., "Injunction" in Law, "Myocardial Infarction" in Medicine). It is used for efficiency among insiders.
  • The Error in Option 4: Words related to bodily functions or religion that are avoided for politeness are called Taboo Words or Euphemisms.

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

This question falls under Sociolinguistics. It is essential because:

  • Understanding Language Variety: English is not a monolithic block but a collection of varieties (registers, slangs, jargons).
  • Literary Analysis: When authors like James Joyce or Irvine Welsh use slang vs. jargon, scholars must understand the social function of that choice.
  • Communication Competence: Professors must distinguish between "appropriate" language (Register) and "group-specific" language.

Analysis of Other Options (These are Correct Definitions):

  • 1. Convergence: (Correct) Part of Speech Accommodation Theory. Modifying speech to sound more like the listener to build rapport.
  • 2. Register: (Correct) Language variation based on context (e.g., Formal register for a lecture vs. Casual register for a party).
  • 3. Slang: (Correct) Informal, ephemeral language used by subcultures to establish identity.
🎯 Exam Point: Jargon is specific to a profession. Slang is specific to a social group. Dialect is specific to a region.
Q83. Which of the following statements are correct about voiced and voiceless sounds?

A. All 20 vowels sounds of English are voiced.
B. When the vocal cords move away from each other, the speech sounds articulated in this situation is called voiceless sounds.
C. The rapid opening and closing of the vocal cords is called the Vibration of the vocal cords and the sound produced in this vibration is called voiceless sound.
D. Fifteen out of twenty-four consonants of English are voiced.
E. The articulatory system consists of a few organs in our leg and hand.
  • 1. A, B, and D Only
  • 2. B, C, and D Only
  • 3. A, C, and E Only
  • 4. B, D, and E Only
Correct Answer: 1. A, B, and D Only

Explanation:

Let's analyze the statements based on Phonation (Speech Production):

  • A. (TRUE): All 20 English vowel sounds are Voiced. They require vocal cord vibration.
  • B. (TRUE): When vocal cords are wide apart (Open Glottis), air passes freely without vibration. This creates Voiceless sounds (e.g., /p/, /t/, /s/).
  • D. (TRUE): English has 24 consonant phonemes: 15 are Voiced (/b, d, g, v, Γ°, z, Κ’, dΚ’, m, n, Ε‹, l, r, w, j/) and 9 are Voiceless.

Why the other statements are Incorrect:

  • C. (FALSE): "Rapid opening and closing" creates vibration. Vibration produces VOICED sounds, not voiceless ones.
  • E. (FALSE): The articulatory system is located in the Vocal Tract (Head and Throat), not the leg or hand.

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

The UGC NET includes questions on Articulatory Phonetics to test a candidate's technical grasp of the English sound system.

  • Phonetic Accuracy: It ensures a prospective teacher can distinguish between minimal pairs (like 'pat' vs 'bat' or 'fan' vs 'van').
  • Categorisation Skills: Candidates must memorize the specific classification of the 44 phonemes of Received Pronunciation (RP).
  • Anatomical Knowledge: It tests understanding of the "Speech Mechanism," specifically the role of the larynx.
🎯 Exam Point: To check if a sound is voiced, place your hand on your throat. If you feel a "buzz" or vibration (like in /z/ or /d/), it is Voiced. If you feel nothing (like in /s/ or /t/), it is Voiceless.
Q84. Assertion A: All modern languages have some words with pronunciations that seem to echo naturally occurring sounds.
Reason R: When different objects flew by, making a caw-caw or coo-coo sound, the early human tried to imitate the sounds and then used them to refer to those objects even when they weren’t present.
  • 1. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
  • 2. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • 3. A is correct but R is not correct
  • 4. A is not correct but R is correct
Correct Answer: 1. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation:

This question refers to the "Bow-Wow Theory" of language origin.

  • Assertion A (True): This describes Onomatopoeia (words that sound like what they mean, e.g., splash, buzz, cuckoo). Every language has these.
  • Reason R (True & Explains A): This explains how those words came to be. Early humans imitated nature (mimesis) to create a symbolic link, allowing them to refer to the object even when it wasn't there.

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

The "Origins of Language" is a foundational topic in Linguistics.

  • Linguistic Philosophy: It challenges Saussure's idea that language is "Arbitrary." Onomatopoeia is the only instance where the sign is Iconic (the sound matches the meaning).
  • Theoretical Awareness: It tests familiarity with origin theories like the Bow-Wow theory (imitation), Pooh-Pooh theory (emotion), and Ding-Dong theory (harmony).
🎯 Exam Point: Remember Max Muller, the philologist who critiqued these theories, often calling them nicknames like "Bow-Wow" or "Pooh-Pooh" to dismiss them as simplistic.
Q85. In English, if three consonants form a cluster at the beginning of a syllable, the first consonant will be always:
  • 1. /s/
  • 2. /p/
  • 3. /t/
  • 4. /k/
Correct Answer: 1. /s/

Explanation:

This rule is part of Phonotactics (rules governing sound combinations). In English, a 3-consonant cluster (CCC) at the start of a word MUST follow this strict formula:

The Formula:
1. Pre-Initial: Always /s/
2. Initial: Voiceless Plosive (/p/, /t/, /k/)
3. Post-Initial: Liquid/Glide (/l/, /r/, /w/, /j/)

Examples:

  • S + p + l = Splash
  • S + t + r = Street
  • S + k + w = Squeak

Why this question is asked in UGC NET English:

This tests your understanding of Phonotactic Constraints.

  • Structural Mastery: It tests if you know the internal "illegal" vs "legal" combinations of English.
  • Syllable Theory: It specifically targets the "Onset" component of Syllable structure.
  • Pedagogy: Teachers must know why students struggle with these clusters (e.g., why a word like "Street" is hard for some non-native speakers).

Why other options are wrong:

The sounds /p/, /t/, and /k/ are allowed in the cluster, but only in the 2nd position (e.g., spring, string). They cannot start a 3-consonant cluster on their own.

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