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Aks 507: Historical/Comparative Linguistics Question Paper

Aks 507: Historical/Comparative Linguistics

Course:Master Of Arts

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2008

ATE: Friday, 13th June, 2008

TIME: 2.00 p.m. ? 5.00 p.m.
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer any FOUR questions.
Q.1
?Historical [and comparative] linguistics has played and continues to play an
important role in contributing towards the primary goals of linguistics?.
(Campell, 1998) Discuss this statement.

Q.2
Compare and contrast EITHER the Internal Reconstruction and the Comparative
Reconstruction OR the Comparative Reconstruction and
Calottochronology/Cexicostatistics.

Q.3
Discuss the contributions of each of the following scholars to
historical/comparative linguistics and to linguistics in general:
i)
Franz Bopp
ii)
Rasmus Rask
iii)
The neogrammarians

Q.4
?The Wave model complements the Family Tree Model.? Discuss this statement.

Q.5
Distinguish between the following concepts and give an appropriate example in
each case:
i)
language divergence and language convergence
ii)
language genesis and language death
iii)
phonetic and phonemic change
iv)
grammatical and lexical change

Q.6
?Since the 1960s great strides have been achieved in understanding ?why?
languages change.? (Campell, 1998). Discuss this statement.

Q.7
Discuss the role of vocabulary in the reconstruction of culture and linguistic
homeland.

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Aks 507: Historical/Comparative Linguistics Question Paper

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