Master exam - 01

    Master’s Degrees— How to answer the exam

                                                 Linguistics and Advanced English Studies

                                                                 Exam 1

1. Performance is mere reflection of competence. Discuss the validity of this statement.

-----Analyze whether language performance (actual language use) directly mirrors linguistic competence (knowledge of language). Consider arguments for and against this view, citing linguistic theories and examples.

2. Discuss De Saussure's contribution to modern linguistic theory.

-----Describe Ferdinand de Saussure's key ideas, such as the concept of the linguistic sign, the distinction between langue and parole, and the importance of structuralism. Explain how these ideas have influenced contemporary linguistics.

3. What are some of the ways in which it can be said that the Generativist theory has revolutionized modern linguistics?

-----Explore how Noam Chomsky's Generative Grammar theory has transformed linguistic thought. Discuss concepts like the innateness hypothesis, universal grammar, and the shift from descriptive to generative approaches in linguistics.

4. The different branches of modern linguistics contribute to improving our knowledge of written and oral discourse. Discuss and explain some examples.

-----Identify various branches of linguistics, such as phonetics, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Explain how each branch helps us understand language use in both written and spoken forms, providing specific examples to illustrate your points.