Danish & The Languages Of The World
A brief revision of our first classes
- 1.
What is linguistic relativity?
- A.
The idea that all languages are linguistically related
- B.
The idea that our language defines the way we think
- C.
The idea that the way we think is independent of our language
Correct Answer
B. The idea that our language defines the way we thinkExplanation
The correct answer is "the idea that our language defines the way we think." Linguistic relativity, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure and vocabulary of a language influence and shape the thoughts and perceptions of its speakers. This means that the language we use affects our cognitive processes, including how we perceive and interpret the world around us.Rate this question:
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- 2.
If a language has only 3 basic colour terms, these are likely to be: red, blue and yellow. This statement is
- A.
A linguistic universal
- B.
Not true
- C.
A fact based on the neurophysiology of colour
Correct Answer
B. Not trueExplanation
This statement is not true because the claim that a language with only 3 basic color terms will always have red, blue, and yellow is not supported by linguistic evidence. Different languages categorize and name colors differently, and there is variation in the number and specific terms used for basic colors across languages. Therefore, it cannot be universally stated that all languages with 3 basic color terms will include red, blue, and yellow.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In connection with mixed languages, the term SUBSTRATUM sometimes appears. This means
- A.
The language which results from language contact
- B.
A language from which vocabulary is taken
- C.
A language which serves as a structural basis for the mixed language
Correct Answer
C. A language which serves as a structural basis for the mixed languageExplanation
The term "substratum" in connection with mixed languages refers to a language that serves as a structural basis for the mixed language. This means that the mixed language is primarily influenced by the grammatical and structural features of the substratum language. It may borrow vocabulary from other languages, but the substratum language provides the foundation for the mixed language's structure and grammar.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When a mixed language develops a grammar and is acquired by children as their mother tongue, we call it a _________ language
Correct Answer
creole
creolExplanation
When a mixed language develops a grammar and is acquired by children as their mother tongue, we call it a creole language. Creole languages typically emerge when communities with different native languages come into contact and need to communicate. These languages often incorporate elements from multiple languages, creating a unique linguistic system. The term "creol" is likely a typographical error and should be disregarded.Rate this question:
- 5.
If I am a Watam-speaking boy, I call my sister and female cousin by the name mbi. I call my older brother yakai and my younger brother yap. If I am a Watam-speaking girl, I call my brother and male cousin by the name ondan. I call my older sister yakai and my younger sister yap. What is the correct description of this system in comparison to Danish?
- A.
The distinctive features of this system are referent sex (like in Danish) and relative age (unlike in Danish)
- B.
The distinctive features of this system are parallel sex and relative age (unlike in Danish). Referent sex is irrelevant.
- C.
The distinctive features are parallel sex and age (unlike in Danish), relative age for same-sex referents, and sex for cross-sex referents.
- D.
The distictive features of this system are referent sex and generation (like in Danish)
Correct Answer
C. The distinctive features are parallel sex and age (unlike in Danish), relative age for same-sex referents, and sex for cross-sex referents.Explanation
The correct description of this system in comparison to Danish is that the distinctive features are parallel sex and age (unlike in Danish), relative age for same-sex referents, and sex for cross-sex referents. This means that in the Watam-speaking system, individuals are referred to differently based on their sex and relative age, whereas in Danish, only referent sex is considered.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the first language spoken by mankind?
- A.
Hebrew
- B.
Sanskrit
- C.
Proto-Indo-European
- D.
Unknown
Correct Answer
D. UnknownExplanation
The question asks about the first language spoken by mankind. The answer "Unknown" indicates that it is not possible to determine with certainty which language was spoken first by humans. The origins of human language are still a topic of debate and research among linguists and anthropologists. The answer acknowledges the lack of concrete evidence or consensus regarding the first language spoken by mankind.Rate this question:
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- 7.
When Sanskrit was first studied by European grammarians, this caused great upheaval. Why?
- A.
Finally, the origins of language had been found.
- B.
Europeans were amazed to discover the Classic Indian texts.
- C.
Sanskrit was the missing link enabling linguists to reconstruct a family tree of most European languages.
Correct Answer
C. Sanskrit was the missing link enabling linguists to reconstruct a family tree of most European languages.Explanation
Sanskrit was the missing link enabling linguists to reconstruct a family tree of most European languages. This caused great upheaval because it provided a breakthrough in understanding the origins and connections between different languages. It allowed European grammarians to trace the development and evolution of European languages back to a common ancestor, which was a significant advancement in linguistic studies. The discovery of Sanskrit as a key language in this process was a revelation and had a profound impact on the field of linguistics.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Two languages can be said to be related if:
- A.
They have many words on the Swadesh list in common
- B.
They share typological features like word order, agglutination or vowel harmony
- C.
They have many cognate forms
Correct Answer
C. They have many cognate formsExplanation
Two languages can be said to be related if they have many cognate forms. Cognate forms are words in different languages that have a common origin and similar meaning. When two languages have a significant number of cognates, it suggests that they share a common ancestor language and have evolved from it over time. Therefore, the presence of many cognate forms indicates a strong linguistic connection between the two languages, making them related.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Choose the feature MOST likely to be borrowed from one language into another
- A.
Vocabulary relating to a specific subject matter, like medical terminology
- B.
Basic vocabulary
- C.
Typological features like word order
- D.
Bound morphemes
Correct Answer
A. Vocabulary relating to a specific subject matter, like medical terminologyExplanation
When borrowing elements from one language into another, it is most likely that vocabulary related to a specific subject matter, such as medical terminology, would be borrowed. This is because specialized vocabulary often fills gaps in the borrowing language's lexicon, allowing for more precise communication in that particular field. Basic vocabulary is usually already present in most languages and may not require borrowing. Typological features like word order and bound morphemes are structural aspects of a language and are less likely to be borrowed directly.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Choose the feature LEAST likely to be borrowed from one language into another.
- A.
Vocabulary relating to specific subject matter, like medical vocabulary
- B.
Basic vocabulary
- C.
Typological features like word order
- D.
Bound morphemes
Correct Answer
D. Bound morphemesExplanation
Bound morphemes are least likely to be borrowed from one language into another. Bound morphemes are grammatical elements that cannot stand alone and are typically attached to a base word to modify its meaning or function. Since bound morphemes are highly language-specific and often have complex rules and patterns, they are less likely to be borrowed directly from one language to another. In contrast, vocabulary relating to specific subject matter, basic vocabulary, and typological features like word order can be more easily borrowed and adapted between languages.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When can a language be considered to be threatened?
- A.
When its speakers begin to use English terms in their everyday language
- B.
When none of its speakers are monoligual
- C.
When cross-generational transmitting of the language stops
Correct Answer
C. When cross-generational transmitting of the language stopsExplanation
A language can be considered threatened when cross-generational transmitting of the language stops. This means that the language is no longer being passed down from one generation to the next, resulting in a decline in the number of speakers. When a language is not being learned by younger generations, it becomes at risk of extinction and is considered threatened.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The concept of a 'Universal Grammar' was conceived by Noam Chomsky. His reasons for proposing the existence of the UG were:
- A.
That all languages are so alike that grammar must be innate
- B.
That children learn language so fast they must be born with a special capability
- C.
That the grammar of any language can easily be reduced to a few simple, universal rules
- D.
That only humans are able to speak, and so language must be related to the genetics of the human race.
Correct Answer
B. That children learn language so fast they must be born with a special capabilityExplanation
Noam Chomsky proposed the concept of a 'Universal Grammar' based on the observation that children learn language at a remarkably fast pace. He argued that this rapid language acquisition suggests the existence of an innate, specialized capability in children. According to Chomsky, this special capability allows children to grasp the complex rules and structures of any language, indicating that grammar must be inherent rather than solely learned through external factors.Rate this question:
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Aug 23, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 18, 2014Quiz Created by
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