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UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
January/February 2024
ENG3703
Theoretical Approaches to English Language and Literature
100 marks
8 hours
This paper consists of 4 pages.
Instructions:
You are allowed to access your prescribed works and the study material. You are however not
allowed to copy verbatim from your study material. You should write the answers in your own words
and any sources consulted should be cited according to the Harvard referencing method. In the
case of plagiarism or cheating of any kind you will be reported to the University’s Student
Disciplinary Section.
Please remember to fill in and attach the plagiarism declaration on p. 4 of this document to your
final submission.
The exam can be downloaded on 7 February at 8:00 and must be uploaded by 7 February at 16:00.
NO LATE EXAMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The answered exam script must be uploaded as a PDF electronic document.
Answer both questions 1 and 2. Each question is worth 50 marks.
CONFIDENTIAL
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, lOMoAR cPSD| 48179651
January/February 2022
ENG3703
Section A: Language Theory
Question 1
This question is based on the theme of intercultural pragmatics
of language use. Based on your readings for assignment 01
and other additional resources, answer the following question.
Different speech acts such as requests, offers, invitations etc.
are conducted differently in different cultures. Based on your
knowledge of intercultural pragmatics and Brown and
Levinson’s (1987)’s theory on politeness, discuss three factors
that may lead to ‘pragmatic failure’ when people from different
cultural orientations interact; in particular when making offers
(e.g. of gifts, food, etc.) and extending invitations (e.g. to a
function, etc).
Your essay must follow the following structure:
Introduction: State what the essay is about and how it is
organised.
Main Body/Content: First, give a detailed exposition of
intercultural pragmatics and the relevant aspects of Brown and
Levinson’s (1987)’s politeness theory in relation to the notion of
‘pragmatic failure’. Secondly, discuss how the acts of making
an offer and invitations are differently conducted in the cultures
of your choice and how the differences can lead to culture
clash.
Conclusion: Synthesise the main points of your discussion
with a brief summary.
You can also give your own view on the issues.
(50)
1
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, lOMoAR cPSD| 48179651
January/February 2022
ENG3703
Section B: Literary Theory
Question 2
In the following extract from Lauren Beukes’ novel, Zoo City
(2010), Zinzi is interrogated by Inspector Tshabalala from the
Rosebank police station about the murder of Mrs Luditsky, one
of Zinzi’s clients.
‘I’m going to venture it wasn’t stale biscotti,’ I say. Nor
gunshot. Tshabalala exhales through her teeth and glances at the
door.
‘That,’ she says, tapping the photograph, ‘is not your
everyday burglary.
Seventy-six stab wounds? That’s personal.’
‘Was anything taken?’
‘We’re checking with her housekeeper. She’s still in
shock. Why? You got something else you want to hand over?’
‘The TV? The DVD player? Other jewellery?’
‘You’re the one with the ring in your pocket,’ Inspector
Tshabalala smirks. ‘I didn’t do it,’ I say.
She strings out the silence. 97 alligator. 99, 128. ‘It’s not
like we don’t know what you’re capable of, Zinzi,’ she says,
finally. I lean back in my shitty grey plastic chair. I’ve heard this
tune before and it’s nothing but cheap muzak. She’s reaching,
which means she’s got absolutely nothing.
‘That’s unconstitutional, Inspector.’
‘Save it for the animal rights people.’
‘That’s the SPCA.’
2
Downloaded by tonnie Aredo ()
Downloaded by tonnie Aredo ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 48179651
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
January/February 2024
ENG3703
Theoretical Approaches to English Language and Literature
100 marks
8 hours
This paper consists of 4 pages.
Instructions:
You are allowed to access your prescribed works and the study material. You are however not
allowed to copy verbatim from your study material. You should write the answers in your own words
and any sources consulted should be cited according to the Harvard referencing method. In the
case of plagiarism or cheating of any kind you will be reported to the University’s Student
Disciplinary Section.
Please remember to fill in and attach the plagiarism declaration on p. 4 of this document to your
final submission.
The exam can be downloaded on 7 February at 8:00 and must be uploaded by 7 February at 16:00.
NO LATE EXAMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The answered exam script must be uploaded as a PDF electronic document.
Answer both questions 1 and 2. Each question is worth 50 marks.
CONFIDENTIAL
Downloaded by tonnie Aredo ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 48179651
January/February 2022
ENG3703
Section A: Language Theory
Question 1
This question is based on the theme of intercultural pragmatics
of language use. Based on your readings for assignment 01
and other additional resources, answer the following question.
Different speech acts such as requests, offers, invitations etc.
are conducted differently in different cultures. Based on your
knowledge of intercultural pragmatics and Brown and
Levinson’s (1987)’s theory on politeness, discuss three factors
that may lead to ‘pragmatic failure’ when people from different
cultural orientations interact; in particular when making offers
(e.g. of gifts, food, etc.) and extending invitations (e.g. to a
function, etc).
Your essay must follow the following structure:
Introduction: State what the essay is about and how it is
organised.
Main Body/Content: First, give a detailed exposition of
intercultural pragmatics and the relevant aspects of Brown and
Levinson’s (1987)’s politeness theory in relation to the notion of
‘pragmatic failure’. Secondly, discuss how the acts of making
an offer and invitations are differently conducted in the cultures
of your choice and how the differences can lead to culture
clash.
Conclusion: Synthesise the main points of your discussion
with a brief summary.
You can also give your own view on the issues.
(50)
1
Downloaded by tonnie Aredo ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 48179651
January/February 2022
ENG3703
Section B: Literary Theory
Question 2
In the following extract from Lauren Beukes’ novel, Zoo City
(2010), Zinzi is interrogated by Inspector Tshabalala from the
Rosebank police station about the murder of Mrs Luditsky, one
of Zinzi’s clients.
‘I’m going to venture it wasn’t stale biscotti,’ I say. Nor
gunshot. Tshabalala exhales through her teeth and glances at the
door.
‘That,’ she says, tapping the photograph, ‘is not your
everyday burglary.
Seventy-six stab wounds? That’s personal.’
‘Was anything taken?’
‘We’re checking with her housekeeper. She’s still in
shock. Why? You got something else you want to hand over?’
‘The TV? The DVD player? Other jewellery?’
‘You’re the one with the ring in your pocket,’ Inspector
Tshabalala smirks. ‘I didn’t do it,’ I say.
She strings out the silence. 97 alligator. 99, 128. ‘It’s not
like we don’t know what you’re capable of, Zinzi,’ she says,
finally. I lean back in my shitty grey plastic chair. I’ve heard this
tune before and it’s nothing but cheap muzak. She’s reaching,
which means she’s got absolutely nothing.
‘That’s unconstitutional, Inspector.’
‘Save it for the animal rights people.’
‘That’s the SPCA.’
2
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