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Patois Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Understanding Patois: Linguistic and Cultural Perspectives

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Understanding Patois: Linguistic and Cultural Perspectives Study Guide

Linguistic Definition and Etymology

Within the field of linguistics, the term 'patois' is understood to encompass varieties such as pidgins and creoles, while typically excluding slang and jargon.

Answer: True

Explanation: The linguistic definition of 'patois' encompasses non-standard speech forms like pidgins and creoles, distinguishing them from slang and jargon, which are primarily vocabulary-based.

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The term 'patois' originates from an Old French verb that conveyed the meaning 'to speak clearly'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'patois' originates from an Old French verb, 'patoier,' which meant 'to treat roughly,' suggesting an etymological link to uncultivated speech rather than clarity.

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In Old French, 'patois' exclusively referred to a formal, literary dialect.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Old French, 'patois' referred to a local or regional dialect and carried connotations of rough or uncultivated speech, not exclusively formal or literary language.

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The etymological root of 'patois' is linked to the concept of 'paw' or 'sole of the foot'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The etymology of 'patois' is thought to stem from the Old French verb 'patoier' ('to treat roughly'), which may derive from a word meaning 'paw' or 'sole of the foot,' suggesting an origin related to coarseness.

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The primary characteristic defining 'patois' according to the introduction is its use of complex grammar.

Answer: False

Explanation: The introduction defines 'patois' primarily by its status as a sub-standard speech variety, often lacking a written form, rather than by the complexity of its grammar.

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The Old French verb 'patoier' meant 'to treat roughly'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Old French verb 'patoier,' believed to be an etymological root of 'patois,' indeed meant 'to treat roughly'.

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According to the linguistic definition provided, which of the following is typically NOT considered a 'patois'?

Answer: Slang

Explanation: The linguistic definition of 'patois' typically encompasses dialects, creoles, and vernaculars, but generally excludes slang and jargon, which are primarily vocabulary-based forms of cant.

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What is the likely etymological origin of the word 'patois'?

Answer: From Old French 'patoier', meaning 'to treat roughly'.

Explanation: The word 'patois' likely originates from the Old French verb 'patoier,' meaning 'to treat roughly,' suggesting an etymological connection to uncultivated or coarse speech.

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In the context of Old French, what did 'patois' originally signify?

Answer: A local or regional dialect, often implying roughness.

Explanation: In Old French, 'patois' originally denoted a local or regional dialect, frequently carrying connotations of speech that was rough, clumsy, or uncultivated.

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The etymology of 'patois' potentially linking to 'patte' (paw) suggests an original meaning related to:

Answer: Coarseness or lack of cultivation.

Explanation: The potential etymological link of 'patois' to 'patte' (paw) suggests an original meaning associated with coarseness or a lack of cultivation in speech.

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Which statement best summarizes the linguistic definition of 'patois' given in the source?

Answer: It refers to any non-standard speech, including pidgins, creoles, dialects, or vernaculars.

Explanation: The linguistic definition provided characterizes 'patois' as any non-standard speech, encompassing pidgins, creoles, dialects, and vernaculars.

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Patois in France: Colloquial Usage and Historical Context

Colloquially in France, the term 'patois' is employed to denote the prestige language spoken by the urban middle and high classes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Colloquially in France, 'patois' refers to the speech of uneducated rural classes, contrasting with the prestige language associated with urban middle and high classes.

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Historically, Occitan and Franco-Provençal have been designated as 'patois' within France.

Answer: True

Explanation: Occitan and Franco-Provençal are among the regional languages and dialects in France that have historically been referred to as 'patois'.

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Following King Louis XIV's ban on Catalan in France during the 18th century, it was subsequently labeled a 'patois'.

Answer: True

Explanation: King Louis XIV's decree in 1700 prohibiting the use of Catalan in France led to its classification as a 'patois,' illustrating the political dimension of language labeling.

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The colloquial French usage of 'patois' aligns perfectly with the broad linguistic definition encompassing all non-standard speech.

Answer: False

Explanation: The colloquial French usage of 'patois' is more specific, typically referring to the vernacular of rural classes, and does not align perfectly with the broader linguistic definition that includes all non-standard speech forms.

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How is the term 'patois' commonly used in a colloquial French context regarding social stratification?

Answer: It implies the speech of uneducated rural classes, contrasting with Standard French.

Explanation: Colloquially in France, 'patois' specifically refers to the sociolects of uneducated rural classes, positioning them in contrast to the prestige language (Standard French) used by higher social strata.

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Which of the following languages was historically referred to as a 'patois' in France after a royal decree banned its use?

Answer: Catalan

Explanation: Catalan was historically referred to as a 'patois' in France following King Louis XIV's ban on its use in 1700.

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What is the relationship between the colloquial French term 'patois' and the linguistic concept of an 'acrolect'?

Answer: 'Patois' refers to the sociolects of rural classes, contrasted with the acrolect (prestige language).

Explanation: In the described French context, 'patois' refers to the sociolects of rural classes, which are contrasted with the 'acrolect,' the prestige language (e.g., Standard French) used by higher social strata.

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Which of the following is a key difference between the linguistic definition of 'patois' and its colloquial French usage?

Answer: The colloquial usage is more specific, often referring to rural vernaculars, unlike the broader linguistic definition.

Explanation: The colloquial French usage of 'patois' is more specific, typically denoting the vernaculars of rural classes, whereas the broader linguistic definition encompasses a wider range of non-standard speech forms.

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Global Patois Varieties and Linguistic Classification

Jamaican Patois exhibits primary influences from English and Spanish, with minimal input from African languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jamaican Patois is a complex creole language influenced by a wide array of languages, including significant input from numerous African languages, alongside European languages like English and Spanish.

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From a linguistic standpoint, Jamaican Patois is accurately classified as a Creole language, rather than simply a non-standard dialect of English.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistically, Jamaican Patois is correctly classified as a Creole language, a distinct linguistic system that emerged from historical language contact, rather than an informal or 'broken' form of English.

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In the Francophone Caribbean, the term 'patois' is commonly used to refer to local basilectal languages such as Antillean Creole.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Francophone Caribbean, the term 'créole' is typically used for local basilectal languages, functioning analogously to 'patois' in other regions, rather than 'patois' itself being the common term.

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Trasianka, Sheng, and Tsotsitaal are cited as examples of languages sometimes referred to as 'patois'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The article lists Trasianka, Sheng, and Tsotsitaal among the diverse linguistic varieties that have been referred to using the term 'patois'.

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'Patuá' in Venezuela refers to a language spoken by descendants of Spanish settlers.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Patuá' in Venezuela refers to a language spoken by descendants of French settlers and Caribbean people, not Spanish settlers.

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Macanese Patois, also known as 'Patuá,' was historically spoken by the Macanese community in Macau.

Answer: True

Explanation: Macanese Patois, also referred to as 'Patuá,' is indeed the historical language of the Macanese community in Macau.

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Creole dialects in the Caribbean are exclusively influenced by French or Spanish.

Answer: False

Explanation: Caribbean creole dialects exhibit diverse influences beyond French or Spanish, incorporating elements from African, indigenous, and other languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Chinese.

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In Uruguay, 'patois' refers to languages spoken by descendants of French and Piedmontese Italian immigrants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'patois' in Uruguay is used to describe the languages spoken by communities descended from French and Piedmontese Italian immigrants.

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The term 'créole' in the Francophone Caribbean is distinct from and unrelated to the concept of 'patois'.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Francophone Caribbean, 'créole' functions analogously to 'patois' in other regions, referring to local basilectal languages that developed from language contact.

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What is the primary linguistic classification for Jamaican Patois, according to the text?

Answer: A Creole language

Explanation: Linguistically, Jamaican Patois is classified as a Creole language, reflecting its development from language contact and its status as a fully formed linguistic system.

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Which region uses the term 'créole' analogously to 'patois' for its local basilectal languages?

Answer: The Francophone Caribbean

Explanation: In the Francophone Caribbean, the term 'créole' is used for local basilectal languages, functioning in a manner similar to how 'patois' is used in other contexts.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an example of a language or dialect referred to as 'patois'?

Answer: Standard French

Explanation: Standard French is a prestige language and is not referred to as a 'patois.' Sheng, Patuá (Venezuela), and Trasianka are mentioned as examples of varieties sometimes labeled as 'patois'.

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What historical context led to 'Patuá' emerging in Venezuela?

Answer: Self-colonization by French settlers and Caribbean people for cacao production.

Explanation: 'Patuá' in Venezuela emerged in the eighteenth century due to the self-colonization of French settlers and Caribbean individuals who relocated for cacao production.

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What is 'Macanese Patois' also known as?

Answer: Patuá (Macau)

Explanation: 'Macanese Patois' is also known as 'Patuá,' specifically referring to the variety spoken by the Macanese community in Macau.

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The article mentions that creole dialects in the Caribbean can have influences from which of the following, besides European and African languages?

Answer: Arabic, Hebrew, and German.

Explanation: Caribbean creole dialects can incorporate influences from languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and German, in addition to European and African linguistic sources.

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In Uruguay, the term 'patois' is used to describe languages spoken by:

Answer: Descendants of French and Piedmontese Italian immigrants.

Explanation: In Uruguay, 'patois' refers to the languages spoken by descendants of French and Piedmontese Italian immigrants.

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Evolution of Connotation and Critical Perspectives

In contemporary Switzerland, the term 'patois' continues to carry strong negative connotations associated with backwardness.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the term 'patois' in contemporary Switzerland and France has largely shed its negative connotations and is often used to celebrate local languages.

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The term 'patois' is frequently contrasted with a 'prestige language' associated with higher social status.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'patois' is often used in opposition to a 'prestige language,' which signifies higher social standing and formal usage.

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Jean Jaurès posited that 'patois' is the language of dominant, victorious nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jean Jaurès stated that 'patois' is typically applied to the language of a defeated nation, highlighting its association with subjugation, not dominance.

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Jean Jaurès's quote suggests 'patois' is the language of groups that have experienced political subjugation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jean Jaurès's statement that 'patois' is the language of a defeated nation highlights its historical association with political and cultural subjugation.

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The historical connotation of 'patois' as implying backwardness is still prevalent in modern France.

Answer: False

Explanation: While historically carrying connotations of backwardness, the term 'patois' is no longer widely considered offensive in modern France and is often used positively to celebrate regional languages.

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How has the perception and usage of the term 'patois' changed in contemporary France and Switzerland?

Answer: It no longer carries negative connotations and is often used to celebrate local languages.

Explanation: In contemporary France and Switzerland, the term 'patois' has largely shed its negative historical connotations and is frequently employed to celebrate and distinguish local languages and vernaculars.

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According to Jean Jaurès, the term 'patois' is often applied to the language of:

Answer: A defeated nation or group.

Explanation: Jean Jaurès famously stated that 'patois' is the language of a defeated nation, highlighting the term's association with political and cultural subjugation.

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The quote by Jean Jaurès about 'patois' primarily highlights:

Answer: The association of the term with political or cultural subjugation.

Explanation: Jean Jaurès's statement emphasizes the connection between the term 'patois' and the political or cultural subjugation of groups whose languages are thus labeled.

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Linguistic Influences and Etymological Insights

The Antillean Creole word 'lavier' (river) is etymologically derived from the French verb 'laver' (to wash).

Answer: False

Explanation: The word 'lavier' in Antillean Creole, meaning 'river,' is derived from the standard French phrase 'la rivière' (the river). The connection to 'laver' (to wash) represents a folk etymology, not the actual derivation.

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The folk etymology mentioned for Antillean Creole links the word 'lavier' to which French verb?

Answer: laver (to wash)

Explanation: The folk etymology associated with the Antillean Creole word 'lavier' (river) connects it to the French verb 'laver' (to wash), suggesting an interpretation of 'a place to wash'.

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Which of the following best describes the linguistic influences on Jamaican Patois?

Answer: A mix of European (English, Spanish, Portuguese) and African languages.

Explanation: Jamaican Patois is a creole language influenced by a confluence of European languages (including English, Spanish, and Portuguese) and numerous African languages, reflecting the island's complex history.

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The example of Antillean Creole's 'lavier' illustrates how folk etymology can:

Answer: Create plausible but incorrect explanations for word meanings.

Explanation: The case of 'lavier' in Antillean Creole demonstrates how folk etymology can generate plausible yet inaccurate explanations for word meanings, such as linking it to 'laver' (to wash) instead of its actual derivation.

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Article Structure and Contextual Elements

The article's 'shortdescription' states that 'patois' typically refers to a standard language with a rich written tradition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'shortdescription' indicates that 'patois' generally refers to a sub-standard variety that typically lacks a written form, contrary to the description of a standard language with a rich written tradition.

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The 'hatnote' in the article serves to distinguish the general discussion of 'patois' from specific language varieties like Jamaican Patois.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'hatnote' functions to clarify that the article addresses the general term 'patois' and directs users to specific entries, such as 'Jamaican Patois,' if that is their intended subject.

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The IPA pronunciation provided for 'patois' is /pætwa/.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPA pronunciation provided for 'patois' is /ˈpætwɑː/, not /pætwa/.

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The 'Unreferenced section' notice indicates that the section on synonyms lacks citations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Unreferenced section' notice signifies that the 'Synonyms' section of the article is missing citations from reliable sources.

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The reference to the 'Languages portal' suggests 'patois' is considered a topic within general linguistics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inclusion of a link to the 'Languages portal' indicates that 'patois' is recognized as a subject relevant to the broader field of linguistics and language studies.

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The reference to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) implies 'patois' is a recognized English word.

Answer: True

Explanation: Citing the Oxford English Dictionary signifies that 'patois' is an established word within the English lexicon, complete with defined meanings and etymological information.

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What does the 'shortdescription' of the article state about 'patois' varieties?

Answer: They are generally considered sub-standard and lack a written form.

Explanation: The 'shortdescription' characterizes 'patois' varieties as generally sub-standard and typically lacking a written form.

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What is the primary purpose of the 'hatnote' at the beginning of the article?

Answer: To clarify the article's focus on the general term 'patois' and direct users to specific entries if needed.

Explanation: The 'hatnote' serves to clarify that the article discusses the general term 'patois' and to guide readers toward specific language varieties if that is their area of interest.

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What does the reference to archived 'Oxford Dictionaries' suggest?

Answer: Dictionary definitions and historical context for 'patois' are accessible.

Explanation: Referencing archived 'Oxford Dictionaries' indicates that established dictionary definitions and historical context for the term 'patois' are available resources.

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What is the plural pronunciation of 'patois' mentioned in the article?

Answer: /pætwɑːz/

Explanation: The article specifies that the plural pronunciation of 'patois' is /pætwɑːz/.

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