Answer to Question #298144 in English for Snesh

Question

What are three axamples to illustrate the arbitrariness in spelling and pronunciation in the English language

Answer 1

Arbitrariness in language is the absence of any natural or necessary connection between a word's meaning and its sound or form. Examples to illustrate arbitrariness in spelling and pronunciation in the English language include;

a) Phonology - This is the study of sound patterns together with their meanings, both within and across languages. An example is the study of different sounds and the way they come together to form speech and words such as the comparison of the sounds of the two "p" sounds in "pop-up.

b) Syntax - This is the study of sentences and phrases, and the rules of grammar that sentences obey.

c) Pragmatics - This is the study of how the context of a sentence contributes to meaning, for example, someone shouting “Fire!” has a very different meaning if they are in charge of a seven-gun salute than it does if they are sitting in a crowded movie theater.