Question

Language games are a way to manipulate spoken words as the following examples from three languages show. Identify the correct statement(s) below about language games. 

• A. The intent is to disguise or conceal conversation.
• B. Words are manipulated systematically using defined rules.
• C. The game manipulation targets varying units of the phonological form.
• D. Only children use language games.

Hint:

Language games reveal speakers’ implicit knowledge of phonological structure and rules

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

Step 1: Purpose of language games.
Language games are often used to disguise speech, create in-group communication, or playfully manipulate languageThis supports statement (A)
Step 2: Rule-governed manipulation.
Examples such as Pig Latin and similar forms across languages show that words are altered according to consistent and systematic rulesHence, statement (B) is correct
Step 3: Targeting phonological units.
The manipulations may affect syllables, onsets, codas, or larger phonological unitsThis confirms that varying phonological units are targeted, supporting statement (C)
Step 4: Evaluating statement (D).
Language games are used by both children and adults in many linguistic and social contextsThus, statement (D) is incorrect
Step 5: Final conclusion.
The correct statements about language games are (A), (B), and (C)