What is metalanguage in the context of VCE English Language?

What is metalanguage in the context of VCE English Language?

• A. The language used to create new words
• B. The language used to discuss and analyze language itself
• C. The language of a specific linguistic community
• D. The language used in literary criticism

Answer: (B)

Metalanguage refers to language that is used to accurately discuss and analyze language itself. In the context of VCE English Language, it encompasses terminology and concepts that help describe linguistic features, structure, and functions of language. This kind of language allows students and scholars to dissect and examine different aspects of communication, enabling a deeper understanding of how language operates as a system. The option that refers to the creation of new words focuses on neologism rather than the analytical nature of metalanguage. The choice highlighting a specific linguistic community suggests a sociolect or dialect, which is not the same as metalanguage. Lastly, the reference to the language used in literary criticism pertains to a particular analytical approach but does not encompass the broader range of language analysis and description that metalanguage offers.

Metalanguage refers to language that is used to accurately discuss and analyze language itself. In the context of VCE English Language, it encompasses terminology and concepts that help describe linguistic features, structure, and functions of language. This kind of language allows students and scholars to dissect and examine different aspects of communication, enabling a deeper understanding of how language operates as a system.

The option that refers to the creation of new words focuses on neologism rather than the analytical nature of metalanguage. The choice highlighting a specific linguistic community suggests a sociolect or dialect, which is not the same as metalanguage. Lastly, the reference to the language used in literary criticism pertains to a particular analytical approach but does not encompass the broader range of language analysis and description that metalanguage offers.