Question 1 1.1 Study of language sounds: phonology basics 1.2 Phonology's role in distinguishing South African and Nigerian English 1.3.1 Connotative meaning: "killing" in context 1.3.2 Emoti

1.1 In your own words, explain the term phonology. Phonology is the branch of linguistics that deals with the systematic organization of sounds in languages. It involves the study of how sounds function within a particular language or languages, including the patterns and rules for sound combinations and pronunciations. 1.2 How would this term help you distinguish between English spoken in South Africa and English spoken in Nigeria? Phonology would help distinguish between English spoken in South Africa and English spoken in Nigeria by analyzing the differences in pronunciation, stress patterns, and intonation used by speakers in each region. For example, specific vowel and consonant sounds may be pronounced differently, and the rhythm and melody of speech may vary between South African English and Nigerian English. 1.3 Denotation and connotation are some of the key concepts to which you were introduced in this module. Based on your knowledge of these terms, read the sentence below and do the following: After standing for almost two hours presenting on how technology has changed the education system in the country, Mr Mampela complained that his shoes were killing him. 1.3.1 Does the word “killing” in the above sentence have a denotative or a connotative meaning? Justify your answer by referring to the sentence. The word "killing" in the above sentence has a connotative meaning. Connotatively, "killing" implies that Mr. Mampela's shoes were causing him great discomfort or pain, rather than literally ending his life. The context of the sentence makes it clear that "killing" is used metaphorically to describe the level of discomfort he was experiencing. 1.3.2 Create a sentence where you use one word denotatively or connotatively. Underline the word you have used and justify your answer by explaining the meaning of the word in relation to the sentence. Sentence: The night sky was a blanket of stars covering the Earth. The word "blanket" is used connotatively in this sentence. Connotatively, "blanket" suggests that the night sky, filled with stars, provides a comforting and protective covering over the Earth, much like a physical blanket offers warmth and protection. Here, "blanket" is not used in its literal sense but rather to evoke a sense of serenity and beauty in the night sky.