hel-01 study questions for mccrum's story of english- david f. maas

8/14/2019 HEL-01 Study Questions for McCrum's Story of English- David F. Maas

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The Story of EnglishThe Story of EnglishChapter 01Chapter 01


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The Story of English Chapter 01The Story of English Chapter 01

1. Identify the metaphor Emerson used to1. Identify the metaphor Emerson used to

describe the English language. 1:1describe the English language. 1:1

The sea which receives tributaries fromThe sea which receives tributaries fromevery region under heaven.every region under heaven.


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2. Identify two of the shortcomings found2. Identify two of the shortcomings found

in many histories of the Englishin many histories of the English

Language? 01:01Language? 01:01

Some studies dwell on the literary pastSome studies dwell on the literary past

rather than on the presentrather than on the present

Some academic studies deal only on theSome academic studies deal only on the

Anglo-American story rather than the restAnglo-American story rather than the rest

of the worlds English'sof the worlds English's


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3. What makes languages difficult to study3. What makes languages difficult to study

and to analyze? 02:03and to analyze? 02:03

That it is always in flux and that its formThat it is always in flux and that its formand expression is beyond the control ofand expression is beyond the control of

school teacher or governmentsschool teacher or governments It is always changingIt is always changing


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4. What criticism does the editor make4. What criticism does the editor makeabout the term Great Vowel Shift? 02-about the term Great Vowel Shift? 02-03:0503:05

English is and has always been in theEnglish is and has always been in thestate of ungovernable change and thestate of ungovernable change and thelimits of our understanding arelimits of our understanding are

demonstrated by the famous Great Voweldemonstrated by the famous Great VowelShift hardly more informative than theShift hardly more informative than theunknown land of early cartography.unknown land of early cartography.


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5. Describe the process of the Germans5. Describe the process of the Germans

call speech feeling. 03:07call speech feeling. 03:07

Its an instinctive process; we feel theIts an instinctive process; we feel the

advantages and disadvantages of newadvantages and disadvantages of new

forms and new distinctions, although itforms and new distinctions, although it

should be hard for us to give a reason forshould be hard for us to give a reason for

our feelings.our feelings.


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6. How do the editors aspire to make6. How do the editors aspire to make

language study more exciting. 04:09language study more exciting. 04:09

We hope that constructing each chapter inWe hope that constructing each chapter in

the shape of a journey moving throughthe shape of a journey moving through

time and space give our subject a touch oftime and space give our subject a touch of

color and drama that sometimes it seemscolor and drama that sometimes it seems

to lack.to lack.


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7. Give an example of inverted snobbery.7. Give an example of inverted snobbery.

05:1105:11

Inverted snobbery makes a middle classInverted snobbery makes a middle class

rock star like Mick Jagger adopt what herock star like Mick Jagger adopt what he

thinks is a Cockney accent. In the souththinks is a Cockney accent. In the south

and west of the United States it isand west of the United States it is

currently fashionable to adopt countrycurrently fashionable to adopt countryusages and rhythmsusages and rhythms


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8. Identify and describe three myths about the8. Identify and describe three myths about the

varieties of the English Language. 06:16varieties of the English Language. 06:16

The hoary old myth Shakespearean English isThe hoary old myth Shakespearean English is

alive and well and living in the Ozark Mountainalive and well and living in the Ozark Mountain The speech merseyside is attributable to badThe speech merseyside is attributable to bad

cold and blocked nosescold and blocked noses

The racist slur the blacks talk the way they doThe racist slur the blacks talk the way they dobecause they have big lipsbecause they have big lips


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1. What is the largest estimate of the1. What is the largest estimate of the

number of English speakers? 9:03number of English speakers? 9:03

Some estimates have put that figure closeSome estimates have put that figure close

to one billionto one billion


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2.Describe the impact of the English2.Describe the impact of the English

Language in terms of : 1. Mail , 2.Language in terms of : 1. Mail , 2.

Computers , and television 10:04Computers , and television 10:04

Three-quarters of the worlds mailThree-quarters of the worlds mail

Eighty percent of the information stored inEighty percent of the information stored in

the worlds computersthe worlds computers

Five of the largest broadcastingFive of the largest broadcasting

companies broadcast in English.companies broadcast in English.


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3.Describe the development of Russlish,3.Describe the development of Russlish,

Japlish, and Deutschlish. 10:05Japlish, and Deutschlish. 10:05

The borrowing of English words into theseThe borrowing of English words into these

languageslanguages

-For example seksapil (sex appeal),-For example seksapil (sex appeal),

nohkhau (know how)nohkhau (know how)


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4. Explain how the English language has4. Explain how the English language hasunified large blocs of territory like theunified large blocs of territory like thesubcontinent of India. 11:06subcontinent of India. 11:06

English has become a second language inEnglish has become a second language incountries such as India, Kenya, Nigeriacountries such as India, Kenya, Nigeriaand Singaporeand Singapore

English is a vital alternative language,English is a vital alternative language,often unifying huge territories and diverseoften unifying huge territories and diversepopulationspopulations


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5. Characterize the conflict which has5. Characterize the conflict which hasemerged between the forces ofemerged between the forces ofstandardization and the forces ofstandardization and the forces of

localization. 11:08localization. 11:08 Theres been a contest between theTheres been a contest between the

forces of standardization and localization,forces of standardization and localization,

For example Victorian England realized theFor example Victorian England realized theidea of the Queens English, a spokenidea of the Queens English, a spokenstandard to which the lesser breeds couldstandard to which the lesser breeds couldaspire.aspire.


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6. Describe the emergence of RP6. Describe the emergence of RP

(Received Pronunciation) 13:11(Received Pronunciation) 13:11

The Education Act of 1870 established theThe Education Act of 1870 established the

English Public School as the melting pot ofEnglish Public School as the melting pot of

upper class and middle class speechupper class and middle class speech


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7. Provide examples of idiosyncrasies7. Provide examples of idiosyncrasies

which were noticed but not stigmatizedwhich were noticed but not stigmatized

(made fun of). 13:12(made fun of). 13:12

Rev. Joynes pronounced died as doyed,Rev. Joynes pronounced died as doyed,

and attacked the oidle (idle)and attacked the oidle (idle)


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8. Explain the emergence of stigmatization8. Explain the emergence of stigmatization

of accent. 14:13of accent. 14:13

By the end of the 19By the end of the 19 thth century parentscentury parents

feared that their children would pick up afeared that their children would pick up a

local accent at school.local accent at school.

At Oxford incoming students had to speakAt Oxford incoming students had to speak

the Queens Englishthe Queens English


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11. Identify one phonetic feature which11. Identify one phonetic feature which

distinguishes the RP from the Cockneydistinguishes the RP from the Cockney

variety. 15:16variety. 15:16

Ollow for Hollow , and for hand , an forOllow for Hollow , and for hand , an for

and hangin, for hangingand hangin, for hanging


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9.Explain the rapid emergence of RP.9.Explain the rapid emergence of RP.

14:1514:15

It provided the British Army and theIt provided the British Army and the

imperial Civil Service with a steady flow ofimperial Civil Service with a steady flow of

well spoken recruits.well spoken recruits.


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10. Explain the attraction or magnetic10. Explain the attraction or magnetic

power that R. P. exerted over those whopower that R. P. exerted over those who

tried to learn it. 25:16tried to learn it. 25:16

The identification of RP with power andThe identification of RP with power and

education and material successeducation and material success

encouraged imitationencouraged imitation


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12. How did radio shape the development12. How did radio shape the development

of the English language between the twoof the English language between the two

world wars ? 16:17world wars ? 16:17

This is the hey day of radio in theThis is the hey day of radio in the

United States and Britain FDR fireside chatUnited States and Britain FDR fireside chat

and Winston Churchill wartime broadcastand Winston Churchill wartime broadcast

The BBCThe BBC


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13.What was the purpose of the Advisory13.What was the purpose of the Advisory

Committee on Spoken English ( ACSE) ?Committee on Spoken English ( ACSE) ?

16:1916:19

The committees declared task was toThe committees declared task was to

arbitrate on the usage and pronunciationarbitrate on the usage and pronunciation

of words English and Foreignof words English and Foreign


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14. How did the ACSE arrive at decisions14. How did the ACSE arrive at decisions

on usage?17: 19on usage?17: 19

The decision were reached by a simpleThe decision were reached by a simple

votevote


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15. What was the goal of Lord Reith , the15. What was the goal of Lord Reith , the

first Director General of the BBC? 17:22first Director General of the BBC? 17:22

Lord Reith a Scot ,himself believed inLord Reith a Scot ,himself believed in

broadcast English that would give nobroadcast English that would give no

offence as he recalled in televisionoffence as he recalled in television

interview toward the end of his lifeinterview toward the end of his life


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16. How did Lord Reith propose to raise16. How did Lord Reith propose to raise

social standards? 18:22social standards? 18:22

The establishment of a uniform BBCThe establishment of a uniform BBC

English was partly designed to promote aEnglish was partly designed to promote a

sense of impersonality and impartialitysense of impersonality and impartiality


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17. What is the difference between17. What is the difference between

"marked RP" and "unmarked RP?" 19:26"marked RP" and "unmarked RP?" 19:26

The mainstream version unmarked RPThe mainstream version unmarked RP

The Marked version posh or elite RPThe Marked version posh or elite RP


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18. Identify the two vital functions an18. Identify the two vital functions an

accent is supposed to have. 20:26accent is supposed to have. 20:26

It gives us a clue about the speakers lifeIt gives us a clue about the speakers life

and careerand career

It will give a good indication of theIt will give a good indication of the

speakers community values and what hespeakers community values and what he

or she identifies with.or she identifies with.


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19.What social advantage is a speaker of19.What social advantage is a speaker of

RP supposed to have? 20:27RP supposed to have? 20:27

They tend to be credited with qualitiesThey tend to be credited with qualities

such as honesty, intelligence, ambition,such as honesty, intelligence, ambition,

even good looks.even good looks.


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20. How has RP changed over the last 5020. How has RP changed over the last 50

years? 21:29years? 21:29

It has a less tense qualityIt has a less tense quality


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21. Describe how the arrival of21. Describe how the arrival of

Commentator Edward R. Murrow changedCommentator Edward R. Murrow changed

the sphere of dominance in the Englishthe sphere of dominance in the English

language 22:32language 22:32 He Reported on the war to people backHe Reported on the war to people back

Home, thus making American English theHome, thus making American English the

dominant voice in the English speakingdominant voice in the English speakingworld.world.


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23.Describe the process known as Coca-23.Describe the process known as Coca-

colonialism 24:35colonialism 24:35

The Process of Commercial infiltrationThe Process of Commercial infiltration


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24.How did the advent of the bomb24.How did the advent of the bomb

change the English language? 24:35change the English language? 24:35

Fireball, mushroom cloud, test site,Fireball, mushroom cloud, test site,

countdown, fallout, fusion, fission, chaincountdown, fallout, fusion, fission, chain

reaction, atomic holocaustreaction, atomic holocaust


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25.How did the film industry influence the25.How did the film industry influence the

spread of English around the world? 25:38spread of English around the world? 25:38

Brought American English and AmericanBrought American English and American

Way of life as interpreted by Hollywood toWay of life as interpreted by Hollywood to

a world audiencea world audience


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26. Describe the influence of Madison26. Describe the influence of Madison

Avenue( the Advertising Industry) on theAvenue( the Advertising Industry) on the

English language? 26:39English language? 26:39

They have become the small change ofThey have become the small change of

everyday conversations wheres theeveryday conversations wheres the

beef? try it, youll like itbeef? try it, youll like it


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27.Describe the new vocabulary which27.Describe the new vocabulary which

developed around the Vietnam War. 26:40developed around the Vietnam War. 26:40

Defoliate, napalm, firefight, friendly fire,Defoliate, napalm, firefight, friendly fire,

search and destroy, and mission andsearch and destroy, and mission and

domino theorydomino theory


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28. What is the so-called "network28. What is the so-called "network

standard?" 27:41standard?" 27:41

Like the English in the BBC it derived itsLike the English in the BBC it derived its

own accent known as Network Standardown accent known as Network Standard

Regional dialects who modify in theRegional dialects who modify in the

interest of clarity, intelligibility, andinterest of clarity, intelligibility, and

neutralityneutrality


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29.Explain Stuart Flexner's prediction29.Explain Stuart Flexner's prediction

about dialect 28:41about dialect 28:41

As easterners and midwesternersAs easterners and midwesterners

continue to move to the sunbelt, southerncontinue to move to the sunbelt, southern

varieties will be dilutedvarieties will be diluted

In the future regional dialects willIn the future regional dialects will

disappear.disappear.


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30.Illustrate the editor's assertion that regional30.Illustrate the editor's assertion that regionalaccent has never been a hindrance to theaccent has never been a hindrance to theWhitehouse 29:44Whitehouse 29:44

FDR patrician old easternFDR patrician old eastern

Harry Truman twangy MissouriHarry Truman twangy Missouri Richard Nixon MidwestRichard Nixon Midwest John Kennedy Boston IrishJohn Kennedy Boston Irish Lyndon Johnson South TexasLyndon Johnson South Texas Jimmy Carter World GeorgiaJimmy Carter World Georgia Ronald Regan Network standardRonald Regan Network standard


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31. Explain how the computer industry of31. Explain how the computer industry of

the Silicon Valley has altered Englishthe Silicon Valley has altered English

vocabulary from the standpoint of high-vocabulary from the standpoint of high-

tech slang. 30:47tech slang. 30:47Word like interface, software, input, on-Word like interface, software, input, on-

line, data processing, high tech, computerline, data processing, high tech, computer

hacker, to access, diskette, and modemhacker, to access, diskette, and modem


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32. Describe the influence of American32. Describe the influence of American

computerese on other languages. 31:49computerese on other languages. 31:49

German has repeat functionGerman has repeat function

Repeat FunktionRepeat Funktion

Der HighbyteDer Highbyte

Der ResetknopfDer Resetknopf


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33. Describe the confusion posed by two33. Describe the confusion posed by two

the two main language schools-British andthe two main language schools-British and

American.32:52American.32:52

Vocabulary differences:Vocabulary differences:

Apartment: flatApartment: flat

Candy: sweetsCandy: sweets

Diaper: nappyDiaper: nappy


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34.What makes English uniquely valuable34.What makes English uniquely valuable

to unify the subcontinent of India? 33:55to unify the subcontinent of India? 33:55

With nearly 200 languages, India needsWith nearly 200 languages, India needs

English to unify the country.English to unify the country.


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35.How does the power of English tend to35.How does the power of English tend to

influence "romance" or choosing ainfluence "romance" or choosing a

spouse? 33-34:57spouse? 33-34:57

In the Institute of Home Economics, inIn the Institute of Home Economics, in

Delhi, one of the girls remarked that 95Delhi, one of the girls remarked that 95

per cent of Indian men do definitelyper cent of Indian men do definitely

consider English as a prerequisite forconsider English as a prerequisite forbrides.brides.


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36.Explain Salman Rushdie's paradoxical36.Explain Salman Rushdie's paradoxical

expression, "English, no longer an Englishexpression, "English, no longer an English

language, now grows from manylanguage, now grows from many

roots." 34:57roots." 34:57 Those whom it once colonized are carvingThose whom it once colonized are carving

out large territories within the language forout large territories within the language for

themselves.themselves.


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37.Give some examples of some African-37.Give some examples of some African-

English idioms. 34:57English idioms. 34:57

As honest as an elephantAs honest as an elephant

Wisdom is like a goatskin- everyoneWisdom is like a goatskin- everyone

carries his own.carries his own.


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38.Identify some contemporary world38.Identify some contemporary world

figures who speak to the press in English.figures who speak to the press in English.

35:5835:58

Helmut KohlHelmut Kohl

Colonel QadhafiColonel Qadhafi


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39.Illustrate the commercial pressure to39.Illustrate the commercial pressure to

learn English in multinational companies.learn English in multinational companies.

35:6035:60

Many multinational companies ( likeMany multinational companies ( like

Nissan or Datsun) write internationalNissan or Datsun) write international

memoranda in English.memoranda in English.


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40.Illustrate the popularity of English40.Illustrate the popularity of English

language programs in China. 36-37:61language programs in China. 36-37:61

Yingying Learns EnglishYingying Learns English

Mary Goes to PekingMary Goes to Peking

Follow Me 50 million viewersFollow Me 50 million viewers

Kathy Flower instant celebrityKathy Flower instant celebrity


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41.Why is English vital in a developing41.Why is English vital in a developing

country like China? 37:62country like China? 37:62

As well as being the language ofAs well as being the language of

international trade and finance, it is theinternational trade and finance, it is the

language of technology, especiallylanguage of technology, especially

computers, of medicine, of thecomputers, of medicine, of the

international aid bodies----international aid bodies----


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42.Identify some English vocabulary42.Identify some English vocabulary

words which have infiltrated intowords which have infiltrated into

Japanese. 38:63Japanese. 38:63

20,000 English words have infiltrated20,000 English words have infiltrated

Japanese like inflight, infield, man-shonJapanese like inflight, infield, man-shon

mansion, aisu-kurimu ice creammansion, aisu-kurimu ice cream


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43. Illustrate how the international pop43. Illustrate how the international pop

music encourages the use of English.music encourages the use of English.

38:6438:64

Swedish group Abba recorded all theirSwedish group Abba recorded all their

lyrics in English.lyrics in English.

Polish pop song borrowed Baby Baby ,Polish pop song borrowed Baby Baby ,

yeah, yeah, yeahyeah, yeah, yeah


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44. Illustrate how English has invaded the44. Illustrate how English has invaded the

Swedish vocabulary through televisionSwedish vocabulary through television

38:6538:65

60% of group blamed American English60% of group blamed American English

for corrupting Swedish languagefor corrupting Swedish language

Baj baj bye byeBaj baj bye bye

Tajt jeans tight jeansTajt jeans tight jeans


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45.Illustrate how English bar and saloon45.Illustrate how English bar and saloon

words have invaded Germany, France,words have invaded Germany, France,

and Spain. 39:66and Spain. 39:66

Germany die Jeans, die soundtrackGermany die Jeans, die soundtrack

French le weekend, le drugstore,le bifteckFrench le weekend, le drugstore,le bifteck

Russia viskey, dzhin-in-tonic dzhazz-Russia viskey, dzhin-in-tonic dzhazz-

saissionsaission


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46. Describe the futile efforts of French46. Describe the futile efforts of French

President Pompidou to stem the influencePresident Pompidou to stem the influence

of English. 39:67of English. 39:67

Jumbo jet gros porteurJumbo jet gros porteur

Fast food pret a mangerFast food pret a manger


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47.Explain how some of the separatist47.Explain how some of the separatist

motivation in Quebec comes from opposition tomotivation in Quebec comes from opposition to

the "northward glacier" (American English) 40:68the "northward glacier" (American English) 40:68

Loi 101 English billboards, posters, andLoi 101 English billboards, posters, andstorefronts were banned. Students were notstorefronts were banned. Students were not

allowed to attend English-language Quebecallowed to attend English-language Quebec

schools unless one of the parents had beenschools unless one of the parents had been

educated in English at a Quebec elementaryeducated in English at a Quebec elementaryschool.school.


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48. Describe the desperate legislation Loi48. Describe the desperate legislation Loi

101 proposed by Quebec. 40:68101 proposed by Quebec. 40:68

Loi 101 English billboards, posters, andLoi 101 English billboards, posters, and

storefronts were banned. Students were notstorefronts were banned. Students were notallowed to attend English-language Quebecallowed to attend English-language Quebec

schools unless one of the parents had beenschools unless one of the parents had been

educated in English at a Quebec elementaryeducated in English at a Quebec elementaryschool.school.


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49.Why has the president of Sierra Leone49.Why has the president of Sierra Leone

encouraged the use of English? 41:71encouraged the use of English? 41:71

If you want to earn your daily bread, theIf you want to earn your daily bread, the

best thing to do is to learn English. That isbest thing to do is to learn English. That is

the source from which most of the jobsthe source from which most of the jobs

come.come.


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50. What was Jakob Grimm's appraisal of50. What was Jakob Grimm's appraisal of

the English language? 42:72the English language? 42:72

In wealth, wisdom and strict economy,In wealth, wisdom and strict economy,

none of the other English languages cannone of the other English languages can

vie with it.vie with it.


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51.Dispel some of the myths about the51.Dispel some of the myths about theEnglish language. (Explain some of theEnglish language. (Explain some of theliabilities) 43:75-78liabilities) 43:75-78

Spelling problems 13 spellings for ssSpelling problems 13 spellings for ssOn the other hand:On the other hand:

Simplified gender- no masculine feminineSimplified gender- no masculine feminine

and neuter articles and adjectivesand neuter articles and adjectivesWord order instead of endingsWord order instead of endings

Immense vocabulary.Immense vocabulary.

hel-01 study questions for mccrum's story of english- david f. maas

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