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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 8.3 | Chapter 8.4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the English meaning of the Hawaiian word "lanai"?
(a) Balcony.
(b) Garage.
(c) Bathroom.
(d) Porch.

2. According to Mencken, which title is subject to the greatest divergence in usage?
(a) The Honorable.
(b) Doctor.
(c) General.
(d) Professor.

3. From what language does the English word "moose" come?
(a) English.
(b) Italian.
(c) Algonquin.
(d) Cherokee.

4. From which of the following have the English changed their spelling?
(a) Programme.
(b) Develope.
(c) Gramme.
(d) Kilogramme.

5. Which is the second factor that Mencken identifies as an impediment to the growth of the American language in Chapter 3.1?
(a) Territorial expansiveness.
(b) Political disharmony.
(c) Regional diversity.
(d) Lack of a national literature.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is the "portmanteau-word" formed?

2. Which of the early presidents does Mencken identify as archetypal of the new American?

3. What American writer does Mencken claim likely inspired envy in British writers?

4. In what location does Mencken say both the American and English orthographies flourish side by side?

5. What term did John Witherspoon coin, framing it within the context of vulgarity?

(see the answer key)

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