History Of English Language Question Paper
History Of English Language
Course:Bachelor Of Arts (English)
Institution: Kabarak University question papers
Exam Year:2010
KABARAK
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2010/2011 ACADEMIC YEAR
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
SCIENCE
COURSE CODE: ENG 120
COURSE TITLE: HISTORY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
STREAM:
Y1 S2
DAY:
TUESDAY
TIME:
9.00 – 11.00 A.M
DATE:
30/11/2010
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer question ONE and any other TWO questions
PLEASE TURNOVER
Page 1 of 2
1a).All living languages change with time. With examples explain any three causes of
language change. (6marks)
b).A language dies and became extinct when no children learn it. Identify and explain
any four primary types of language death. (10marks)
c).Examine the salient features in the English language that has led to its global
recognition against the other languages of the world. Support your answer with
relevant examples. (8marks)
d). The Indo-European family of languages is important in the history of the English
language. Discuss. (6marks)
2a). Linguists have placed many languages on an endangered list. Examine any four
ways, linguists are using to preserve or revive the endangered languages. (12marks)
b).There is a mismatch between some English words in spelling and pronunciation. This
is mainly attributed to the printing press during Middle English phase. Use relevant
examples to explain the main reasons for the mismatch. (6marks)
ii) Provide any two ways that were used to solve the problem. (2marks)
3a). Define the term ‘cognates’. (2marks)
b).How do cognates help linguists in reconstructing original forms of languages.
(3marks)
c).Trace the history of the English language from Old English to Modern English by
examining the major events under each stage. (15marks)
4a).Distinguish between mutability of language and immutability of language. Support
your answer with an example. (5marks)
b).The history of the English-speaking people can be traced by studying the kinds of
loan words in the language, their source and when they were borrowed. Base your
argument on the above and attempt the history of the English language through loan
words. (15marks)
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