History Of Linguistics Trivia Quiz Exam!

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| By Licibeth Betancourth
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Licibeth Betancourth
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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 4,696
Questions: 19 | Attempts: 1,244

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History Of Linguistics Trivia Quiz Exam! - Quiz

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Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The most important debate for Greek philosophers was the relationship between?

    • A.

      Consonants and vowels 

    • B.

      Words and meaning 

    • C.

      Sounds and pronunciation

    • D.

      Words and structure 

    Correct Answer
    B. Words and meaning 
    Explanation
    Greek philosophers were deeply interested in understanding the nature of reality and the way language can represent and convey meaning. They debated extensively about the relationship between words and their meanings, exploring questions such as whether words have inherent meanings or if they acquire meaning through usage and convention. This debate was crucial for their philosophical inquiries and shaped their understanding of language, knowledge, and communication.

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  • 2. 

    The fundamental relation between the sound and the meaning in which words represent the sound of the objects they refer to are called

    • A.

      Naturalism 

    • B.

      Onomatopeya 

    • C.

      Arbitrariness

    • D.

      Convention 

    Correct Answer
    B. Onomatopeya 
    Explanation
    Onomatopoeia is the correct answer because it refers to the use of words that imitate the sounds they represent. It is a fundamental relation between sound and meaning in language, as words like "buzz," "hiss," and "boom" sound similar to the noises they describe. This creates a direct connection between the word and its referent, making it an example of onomatopoeia.

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  • 3. 

    There is some natural connection  between the original meaning and the second application  meaning, for example the words: mouth of the river,  neck of the bottle. That words are called

    • A.

      Onomatopeia 

    • B.

      Metaphores 

    • C.

      Synonymes 

    • D.

      Conventionalism 

    Correct Answer
    B. MetapHores 
    Explanation
    Metaphors are used to create a connection between two seemingly unrelated things by comparing them. In this case, the original meaning of words like "mouth of the river" and "neck of the bottle" is connected to their second application meaning through a metaphorical comparison. The words used in the original meaning act as metaphors to describe the second application meaning, creating a natural connection between the two. Therefore, the correct answer is Metaphors.

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  • 4. 

    The discussions about the regular patterns in languages and exceptions. The terms used for regularity or irregularly in the language patterns were?

    • A.

      Conventionalism  and naturalism 

    • B.

      Languages and thought

    • C.

      Analogy and anomaly 

    • D.

      Onomatopeia  and metaphores 

    Correct Answer
    C. Analogy and anomaly 
    Explanation
    This question is asking about the terms used to describe regularity and irregularity in language patterns. The correct answer is "Analogy and anomaly." Analogy refers to the regular patterns in language, where words or phrases are formed based on existing patterns or structures. Anomaly, on the other hand, refers to the exceptions or irregularities in language patterns, where words or phrases deviate from the usual patterns. These terms are commonly used in linguistics to describe the balance between regularity and irregularity in language.

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  • 5. 

    Philosophers that claimed that languages were essentially systematic and regular were called anomalist.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because philosophers who claimed that languages were essentially systematic and regular were not called anomalist. Anomalist refers to someone who believes in or studies anomalies, which is unrelated to the systematic and regular nature of languages. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 6. 

    Philosophers that claimed that there are irregularities in the formations of some words of which analogical reasoning is of no avail, were called Anomalist.

    • A.

      True 

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True 
    Explanation
    The given statement is true. Philosophers who believed that there are irregularities in the formations of certain words, which cannot be explained through analogical reasoning, were referred to as Anomalists. Anomalists recognized that some words do not follow the usual patterns or rules of language, and therefore cannot be explained through general principles or comparisons to other words.

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  • 7. 

    The science that studies the origin of words is called?

    • A.

      Morphology 

    • B.

      Rhetoric 

    • C.

      Syntax 

    • D.

      Etymology

    Correct Answer
    D. Etymology
    Explanation
    Etymology is the study of the origin of words, including their historical development and changes in meaning. It examines the roots, prefixes, and suffixes of words to understand their linguistic evolution. By analyzing the etymology of words, linguists can trace their origins back to different languages and cultures, providing insights into the history and development of human communication.

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  • 8. 

    The main contribution in the study of phonetic that correspond to the  comparison between  words pronounced in isolation and in connected speech was made by ...

    • A.

      Plato 

    • B.

      Panini 

    • C.

      Socrates 

    • D.

      Aristotle 

    Correct Answer
    B. Panini 
    Explanation
    Panini made the main contribution in the study of phonetics that compares words pronounced in isolation and in connected speech. Panini was an ancient Indian grammarian who is known for his work on Sanskrit grammar. His work, known as Ashtadhyayi, is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive grammatical treatises in the world. In Ashtadhyayi, Panini analyzed the phonetic aspects of Sanskrit language, including the variations in pronunciation when words are spoken in isolation versus in connected speech. His work laid the foundation for the study of phonetics and phonology in linguistics.

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  • 9. 

    The  Babylonian traditions dates from 

    • A.

      First millennium before Christ 

    • B.

      Two centuries before Christ 

    • C.

      One century before Christ

    • D.

      Two millenniums before Christ 

    Correct Answer
    D. Two millenniums before Christ 
    Explanation
    The Babylonian traditions date back to two millenniums before Christ. This means that these traditions originated around 2000 years before the birth of Christ. The Babylonian civilization, known for its advanced knowledge in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and law, thrived during this time period. The traditions and cultural practices developed during this era had a significant influence on subsequent civilizations in the region and beyond.

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  • 10. 

    The classic fallacy in the  study of languages refers to:

    • A.

      The priority given by linguists to the study and analysis of oral language over the written language

    • B.

      The priority of the written language over the oral; priority given, mainly by the Alexandrians in their desire to preserve the purity of the language greek.

    • C.

      The characteristics that are common to all languages

    • D.

      The ancient classical features that allow the individual characterization of languages

    Correct Answer
    B. The priority of the written language over the oral; priority given, mainly by the Alexandrians in their desire to preserve the purity of the language greek.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the priority of the written language over the oral; priority given, mainly by the Alexandrians in their desire to preserve the purity of the language Greek. This refers to the bias that some linguists have towards studying and analyzing written language more than oral language, particularly in the context of ancient Greek. The Alexandrians, a group of scholars in ancient Alexandria, prioritized the written form of the Greek language as they believed it was more pure and accurate.

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  • 11. 

    Plato was  famous for the distinctions between:

    • A.

      Three genres 

    • B.

      Verbs and nouns 

    • C.

      Singular and plurals 

    • D.

      Categories of the speech 

    Correct Answer
    B. Verbs and nouns 
    Explanation
    Plato was famous for his distinctions between verbs and nouns. This means that he focused on differentiating between these two parts of speech and understanding their unique characteristics and functions. Plato's work likely involved analyzing the ways in which verbs and nouns are used in language and how they contribute to the overall structure and meaning of sentences. This emphasis on distinguishing between verbs and nouns reflects Plato's interest in language and his belief that understanding the intricacies of language is essential for philosophical inquiry.

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  • 12. 

    The three genres: masculine, feminine and intermediate, were  credited to : 

    • A.

      Plato 

    • B.

      Aristotle 

    • C.

      Protagoras

    • D.

      Socrates 

    Correct Answer
    C. Protagoras
    Explanation
    Protagoras is credited with the concept of three genres or categories of individuals: masculine, feminine, and intermediate. This concept was significant in ancient Greek philosophy and influenced subsequent discussions on gender and sexuality. Protagoras' ideas challenged traditional binary notions of gender and introduced the idea of a spectrum or continuum of gender identities.

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  • 13. 

    The adverbs and ad participle of the verbs were recognized by:

    • A.

      Plato

    • B.

      Aristotle 

    • C.

      Dionysius Thrax

    • D.

      Socrates 

    Correct Answer
    C. Dionysius Thrax
    Explanation
    Dionysius Thrax is recognized for his work in grammar and linguistics, specifically for his contribution to the study of adverbs and ad participles of verbs. He developed a system for categorizing and analyzing these parts of speech, which became influential in the field. Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were renowned philosophers, but they were not specifically known for their work on adverbs and ad participles. Therefore, Dionysius Thrax is the correct answer in this context.

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  • 14. 

    The origin of the language is linked to the origin of?

    • A.

      Pedagogy 

    • B.

      Religion 

    • C.

      History 

    • D.

      Agriculture 

    Correct Answer
    D. Agriculture 
    Explanation
    The origin of language is linked to the origin of agriculture. This is because the development of agriculture led to settled communities and the need for communication and coordination among individuals. As people began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, they needed to communicate with each other to share knowledge, coordinate tasks, and trade resources. This led to the development of language as a means of communication, allowing for the exchange of information and the formation of complex societies.

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  • 15. 

    It was considered the mother language that gave rise to modern languages ...

    • A.

      Sanskrit 

    • B.

      Urdu

    • C.

      Greek

    • D.

      Indo-European 

    • E.

      Hebreo

    Correct Answer
    D. Indo-European 
    Explanation
    Indo-European is the correct answer because it is a language family that includes many modern languages such as English, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian. These languages are believed to have evolved from a common ancestral language known as Proto-Indo-European. This language is considered the "mother language" because it gave rise to a wide range of languages spoken by billions of people today. Sanskrit, Urdu, Greek, and Hebrew are all significant languages in their own right, but they are not considered the mother language that gave rise to modern languages like Indo-European.

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  • 16. 

    According to the history of linguistics, it is probably that languages were originated in?

    • A.

      Italy

    • B.

      Greece 

    • C.

      Rome 

    • D.

       Anatolia, a  large peninsula in Western Asia 

    Correct Answer
    D.  Anatolia, a  large peninsula in Western Asia 
    Explanation
    Anatolia, a large peninsula in Western Asia, is suggested as the probable origin of languages according to the history of linguistics.

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  • 17. 

    The first studies in syntax were a contribution from?

    • A.

      Romans 

    • B.

      Greek 

    • C.

      Hindi

    • D.

      Port Royal Grammar 

    Correct Answer
    D. Port Royal Grammar 
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Port Royal Grammar. The question is asking about the origins of syntax studies, and Port Royal Grammar is known for its significant contribution to the field. The Port Royal Grammar, developed by the French scholars Antoine Arnauld and Claude Lancelot in the 17th century, laid the foundation for modern syntactic analysis and influenced subsequent linguistic theories.

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  • 18. 

    The first studies  in phonethics are  tributed to:

    • A.

      Sophist 

    • B.

      Plato 

    • C.

      Panini

    • D.

      Dante Aliguiery

    Correct Answer
    C. Panini
    Explanation
    Panini is credited with the first studies in phonetics. He was an ancient Indian scholar who is known for his work on Sanskrit grammar. Panini's work, known as Ashtadhyayi, is considered one of the most comprehensive and systematic treatises on grammar. It includes detailed analysis of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. His work laid the foundation for the study of phonetics and had a significant influence on subsequent linguistic theories and grammatical traditions.

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  • 19. 

    According to Dante Alighieri the original languages given to humanity as God's gift was?

    • A.

      Sanskrit 

    • B.

      Hebrew 

    • C.

      Greek

    • D.

      Indo-European 

    Correct Answer
    B. Hebrew 
    Explanation
    According to Dante Alighieri, the original language given to humanity as God's gift was Hebrew.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 28, 2020
    Quiz Created by
    Licibeth Betancourth
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