NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

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What does the theory of sociolinguistics primarily explore?

The neurological processes of language
The influence of social context on language use
The biological basis of language acquisition
The historical evolution of languages

The correct answer is: The influence of social context on language use

The theory of sociolinguistics primarily explores the influence of social context on language use. This field examines how factors such as culture, society, and interpersonal relationships shape the way language is spoken and understood. Sociolinguistics studies language in its social context, looking at aspects like dialect variations, language attitudes, and the impact of social class, gender, and ethnicity on language. By understanding these dynamics, researchers can gain insights into how language practices reflect and influence social identities and power relations within different communities. This focus on the interplay between language and society differentiates sociolinguistics from other language theories that might concentrate on individual-language cognitive processes, biological bases, or historical development.