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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.8 | Chapter 9.9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How do the English pronounce the first syllable in "lieutenant"?
(a) Yeift.
(b) Loo.
(c) Left.
(d) Lee-oo.

2. What does Sayce say that language is composed of in 1879?
(a) Letters.
(b) Meanings.
(c) Words.
(d) Sounds.

3. What is frequently omitted in phrases indicated desire or intent, as indicated in Chapter 9.9?
(a) Adjectival modifiers.
(b) The subject noun(s).
(c) Adverbial modifiers.
(d) Verbs of action.

4. In terms of politics, an American candidate "runs" for office. What does an English candidate do?
(a) Sprints.
(b) Sits.
(c) Stands.
(d) Jumps.

5. What difference in pronunciation does Mencken state most sharply distinguishes the two dialects?
(a) The normative "a."
(b) The normative "-ary" suffix.
(c) The normative "o."
(d) The normative "ch."

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mencken characterize the vulgar American habitual use of the double negative?

2. What purpose does the double negative primarily serve?

3. What is the physical basis to which the nasal twang of Americans is ascribed?

4. In what sort of languages are double negatives "perfectly allowable"?

5. According to Mencken, the name of what game puzzles etymologists?

(see the answer key)

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