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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. Which Founding Father is said to have sought to establish a new American alphabet?
(a) George Washington.
(b) Benjamin Franklin.
(c) Thomas Jefferson.
(d) John Hancock.

2. What is the American substitute for the English word "tin"?
(a) Dish.
(b) Can.
(c) Cup.
(d) Bucket.

3. Which of the following groups of foreign immigrants does Mencken not attribute influence over American English in Chapter 6.4?
(a) Italians.
(b) Russian Jews.
(c) Slavic peoples.
(d) South-Pacific Asian Islanders.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the tale spread by William Gifford, what language was supposed to be substituted for English during the Revolutionary War?

2. According to Mencken, the English opposition to American spelling transcends the academic and takes on the character of what?

3. What does Mencken list as dominant the English alternative for the word "mail"?

4. Which of the following did the African slaves NOT introduce to American English?

5. Who is the author of "Travels in North America," published in 1827?

(see the answer key)

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