A-Level English Language - Foundation Terms

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Phonology

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The study of speech sounds in a language, including patterns of pronunciation, stress, rhythm and intonation. Essential for analyzing how sound contributes to meaning in spoken texts and written texts that represent speech.

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Morphology

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The study of word structure and formation, including prefixes, suffixes, roots and how morphemes combine to create meaning. Used in text analysis and understanding language change over time.

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Pragmatics

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The study of how context shapes meaning in communication. Examines implied meaning, speaker intention, and how social situations affect interpretation beyond literal definitions of words.

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Discourse markers

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Words or phrases that organize and structure spoken or written discourse, such as 'however', 'moreover', 'consequently', 'well', and 'basically'. Essential for cohesion and guiding readers through a text.

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Directed response

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A writing task where candidates produce a text in response to a source text and a specified brief. The response must demonstrate awareness of audience, purpose and form as directed by the exam question.