IGNOU MEG 4 Solved Question Paper

Welcome to our blog, In this post, we’re sharing the IGNOU MEG 4 Solved Question Paper of December 2022 examination, focusing on Aspects of Language.

This guide is here to help you prepare for your exams with clear answers and explanations. Whether you’re just starting or revising for your exams, this resource will make studying easier and more effective.

In this post, we’ll discuss all the answers including the short and long answer questions.

You can also download all previous year question papers of MEG 4 from our website.

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Question 1

1. Write short notes on any two of the following :

(a) Post-independence Language Policy

Post-independence language policy in India was shaped by the need to balance national unity with linguistic diversity. The Constitution of India (1950) recognized Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, while also allowing continued use of English for official purposes. The Three-Language Formula was introduced to promote multilingualism in education, encouraging students to learn a regional language, Hindi, and English. The Eighth Schedule listed recognized languages, initially 14, now 22. Language policy also emphasized linguistic states (reorganized in 1956), promoting administration in regional languages. The policy sought harmony, but tensions over language imposition, particularly in the south, remain a concern.

(b) Phrase Structure Rules in Early Transformational Grammar

Phrase Structure Rules in early Transformational Grammar, developed by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s and 60s, were fundamental in describing how sentences are generated from underlying structures. These rules define how smaller units (words or phrases) combine to form larger syntactic units. For example, a basic rule is S → NP + VP (a sentence consists of a noun phrase and a verb phrase). Similarly, NP → Det + N and VP → V + NP are common rules. These rules help to generate the deep structure of a sentence, which can then undergo transformations (like passive or question formation) to form the surface structure.

(c) Variation Studies: New York City – William Labov

William Labov’s sociolinguistic study in New York City during the 1960s is a landmark in language variation research. He investigated how social class influenced the pronunciation of postvocalic /r/ (as in “car” or “floor”) across three department stores—Saks (upper class), Macy’s (middle class), and S. Klein (lower class).

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Question 2

2. Critically evaluate the role of English as a second language in the Indian context. Explain whether its extensive usage has led to negative attitudes towards Indian language or diminished the functionality of Indian language.

English occupies a complex and multifaceted position in the Indian sociolinguistic landscape. As a second language, its role is both empowering and controversial. Introduced during British colonial rule, English was institutionalized in education, administration, and law, and after independence, it was retained as an associate official language under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution. Over time, it has evolved from being a colonial imposition to a crucial tool for socio-economic mobility and global communication.

In the Indian context, English is often seen as a gateway to better employment opportunities, higher education, and international exposure. It is the language of science, technology, commerce, diplomacy, and increasingly, entertainment and digital communication. Its functionality in India is widespread — used in government, media, judiciary, and higher education — placing it in a unique and dominant position alongside Hindi and regional languages.

However, this extensive use of English has led to certain negative consequences. One major concern is the perceived prestige of English, which has resulted in the marginalization of many Indian languages. Parents often prioritize English-medium schools, believing that fluency in English ensures a successful future, sometimes at the cost of proficiency in their native tongues. This has resulted in a linguistic hierarchy, where English symbolizes modernity and progress, while Indian languages are often viewed as insufficient for upward mobility.

The dominance of English has also contributed to a linguistic divide, especially between rural and urban populations, and among socio-economic classes. Those not fluent in English may face exclusion from elite educational institutions and well-paying jobs, reinforcing inequality.

Despite these challenges, Indian languages have not become functionally obsolete. They continue to thrive in local governance, media, cultural expressions, and daily communication. Literature, cinema, and social media have also played key roles in revitalizing regional languages. Moreover, there is increasing awareness of the importance of multilingualism and mother tongue-based education.

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Question 3

3. Distinguish between Dialect and Idiolect, with suitable examples.

Dialect and idiolect are important linguistic terms that refer to language variations, but they operate at different levels. A dialect is a regional or social variety of a language spoken by a particular group of people. It includes variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. An idiolect, on the other hand, is the unique language system or speech pattern of an individual speaker. While dialect refers to a collective form of language, idiolect is entirely individual.

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Question 4

4. Explain the function of Intonation in English language.

Intonation refers to the variation in the pitch of the voice while speaking. It plays a crucial role in conveying meaning beyond the actual words used in English. Unlike tone languages (like Mandarin), where pitch directly affects word meaning, English uses intonation to express attitudes, emotions, and grammatical functions. It helps listeners understand whether a sentence is a question, statement, command, or exclamation, and also provides clues about the speaker’s feelings or intentions.

There are three major types of intonation patterns in English: falling, rising, and fall-rise.

Falling Intonation is used in statements, commands, and wh-questions (e.g., “Where are you going?”). It typically signals completeness, finality, and certainty. For example:

– She is going to the market.

– Close the door.

Rising Intonation often appears in yes/no questions and incomplete thoughts, indicating uncertainty, expectation, or politeness. For example:

– Are you coming?

– Would you like some tea?

Fall-Rise Intonation is used to express doubt, uncertainty, tentativeness, or to soften a statement. It may also indicate that there is something more to be said. For instance:

– I suppose we could go…

– It’s quite nice…

Apart from grammatical functions, intonation contributes significantly to attitudinal meaning. The same sentence spoken with different intonations can express surprise, sarcasm, politeness, or annoyance. For example, the sentence “Oh, really?” can indicate genuine interest or disbelief, depending on the pitch contour.

Intonation also plays an essential role in discourse management. It helps segment speech into understandable chunks and indicates the beginning and end of thought groups or ideas. It acts like punctuation in spoken language—signaling pauses, emphasis, and the flow of conversation. For example, a rising pitch at the end of a phrase may signal that the speaker is not finished, whereas a falling pitch may indicate completion.

Furthermore, contrastive stress in intonation can shift the focus within a sentence. For example:

– He gave the book to Sarah. (focus on the object)

– He gave the book to Sarah. (focus on the action)

Question 5

5. What do you understand by the term ‘‘Conversational Analysis ? Why is it important for anyone to have this knowledge ? What are the basic principles involved in it ?

Conversational Analysis (CA) is a branch of sociolinguistics and discourse analysis that focuses on the systematic study of the structure and patterns of interaction in spoken communication. It investigates how people manage conversations in everyday life, examining the subtle rules and strategies used by speakers to initiate, sustain, and conclude dialogue. Originating from the work of sociologists like Harvey Sacks, Emanuel Schegloff, and Gail Jefferson in the 1960s and 1970s, CA seeks to reveal the implicit norms that govern conversational behaviour.

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Question 6

6. What are the factors which influenced English spelling through the ages ? Explain it with suitable examples.

The evolution of English spelling is a complex process shaped by several historical, linguistic, and social factors over centuries. Unlike many other languages, English does not have a completely phonetic spelling system, which means words are not always spelled as they are pronounced. This inconsistency is largely due to changes in pronunciation, influence from other languages, and the lack of early standardization.

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