General Knowledge Quiz On World Languages
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This is an interesting general knowledge quiz on world languages to assess your awareness of the different languages spoken in the world. This questionnaire is very helpful for the aspirants who are preparing for the competitive exams. So, if you think you can give this quiz a try to check how sharp your memory is, then go ahead. Also, you will gain a lot of information regarding languages with this quiz. Try it out now.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
How many languages are there in the world?
- A.
Between 5,000 and 7,000
- B.
Over 7,000
- C.
Over 10,000
- D.
Under 5,000
Correct Answer
B. Over 7,000Explanation
There are over 7,000 languages in the world. This estimate takes into account the diverse range of languages spoken by different communities and cultures across the globe. Language diversity is a reflection of the rich and varied linguistic heritage of humanity.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which country is home to the largest number of languages?
- A.
China
- B.
Papua New Guinea
- C.
South Africa
- D.
India
- E.
Mexico
Correct Answer
B. Papua New GuineaExplanation
Papua New Guinea is home to the largest number of languages. It is estimated that there are over 800 languages spoken in the country, which is more than any other country in the world. This linguistic diversity can be attributed to the country's geographical and cultural factors. Papua New Guinea is a highly diverse nation with numerous indigenous communities, each with their own unique language. The country's rugged terrain and isolated communities have contributed to the preservation of these languages over time.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following countries is home to the most languages?
- A.
Indonesia
- B.
Maldives
- C.
Belarus
- D.
India
Correct Answer
A. IndonesiaExplanation
Indonesia is home to the most languages among the given options. With over 700 languages spoken in the country, Indonesia has a diverse linguistic landscape. This can be attributed to its vast geographical area, numerous islands, and diverse ethnic groups. The country recognizes Indonesian as its official language, but there are also regional languages, such as Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese, spoken by different communities. This linguistic diversity makes Indonesia unique and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Most humans on earth today are multilingual.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that the majority of people on Earth are able to speak more than one language, indicating that they are multilingual. This implies that being monolingual is less common than being multilingual. Therefore, the correct answer is true.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How many different sign languages are there?
- A.
More than 300
- B.
Less than 300
- C.
350
- D.
400
Correct Answer
A. More than 300Explanation
There are more than 300 different sign languages in the world. Sign languages are unique to each country or region and are used by deaf communities to communicate visually through hand movements, facial expressions, and body language. The exact number of sign languages is difficult to determine due to variations and dialects within each language, but it is estimated that there are over 300 distinct sign languages worldwide.Rate this question:
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- 6.
When languages are shown to have diverged from a common ancestor, they are called:
- A.
Proto-languages
- B.
Genetically related
- C.
Sisters
- D.
In the same language family
Correct Answer(s)
B. Genetically related
C. Sisters
D. In the same language familyExplanation
The correct answer for this question is "Genetically related, Sisters, In the same language family." When languages are shown to have diverged from a common ancestor, they are considered genetically related because they share a common origin. The term "sisters" is used to describe languages that have a close relationship as they come from the same ancestor. Additionally, these languages can be grouped together in the same language family based on their similarities and shared features.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Monolinguals are
- A.
Who speak only one language
- B.
Who speak more than one language
- C.
Can't speak any language
- D.
Who speak more than two language
Correct Answer
A. Who speak only one languageExplanation
The correct answer is "who speak only one language." This means that monolinguals are individuals who can communicate in only one language. They do not possess the ability to speak or understand multiple languages.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Hebrew and Arabic are in the same language family.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Hebrew and Arabic are both Semitic languages, which means they belong to the same language family. This language family includes various languages that originated in the Middle East and North Africa. Hebrew is primarily spoken by Jewish communities, while Arabic is widely spoken across the Arab world. Despite some differences in vocabulary and grammar, both languages share common linguistic features and historical roots, making them part of the same language family.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following are examples of absolute universals in languages?
- A.
Subject comes before object
- B.
Has voiceless stops
- C.
Have consonants and vowels
- D.
Most have nouns and verbs
- E.
If a language has circumfixes, then it also has prefixes and/or suffixes
- F.
If a language has only prefixes and no suffixes, then it also has prepositions.
Correct Answer(s)
C. Have consonants and vowels
D. Most have nouns and verbsExplanation
The given answer is correct because having consonants and vowels is a universal feature of all languages. All languages use a combination of consonant and vowel sounds to form words and communicate. Additionally, most languages also have nouns and verbs as fundamental parts of their grammar, making it another example of an absolute universal.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following are examples of relative/statistical universals in languages?
- A.
Subject comes before object
- B.
Has voiceless stops
- C.
Have consonants and vowels
- D.
Most have nouns and verbs
- E.
If a language has circumfixes, then it also has prefixes and/or suffixes
- F.
If a language has only prefixes and no suffixes, then it also has prepositions.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Subject comes before object
B. Has voiceless stopsExplanation
The given examples of relative/statistical universals in languages are subject comes before object and has voiceless stops. These examples demonstrate patterns that are found in a large number of languages, but not necessarily in all languages. The order of subject before object is a common word order pattern in many languages, although there are exceptions. Similarly, the presence of voiceless stops (consonant sounds produced without vocal cord vibration) is a common feature in many languages, but not universal.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following are examples of implicational universals in languages?
- A.
Subject comes before object
- B.
Has voiceless stops
- C.
Have consonants and vowels
- D.
Most have nouns and verbs
- E.
If a language has circumfixes, then it also has prefixes and/or suffixes
- F.
If a language has only prefixes and no suffixes, then it also has prepositions.
Correct Answer(s)
E. If a language has circumfixes, then it also has prefixes and/or suffixes
F. If a language has only prefixes and no suffixes, then it also has prepositions.Explanation
The correct answer is "If a language has circumfixes, then it also has prefixes and/or suffixes" and "If a language has only prefixes and no suffixes, then it also has prepositions." These statements demonstrate implicational universals in languages. Implicational universals are linguistic patterns or rules that are universally true across languages. In this case, the statements indicate that if a language has a certain feature (circumfixes or only prefixes), it implies the presence of another feature (prefixes and/or suffixes or prepositions, respectively). These patterns hold true across different languages, making them examples of implicational universals.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who provided one of the first translation of text from Egyptian to Greek?
- A.
Bouchard
- B.
Rosetta Stone
- C.
Jean-Francois Champollion
- D.
Thoth
Correct Answer
B. Rosetta StoneExplanation
The Rosetta Stone provided one of the first translations of text from Egyptian to Greek. The stone, discovered in 1799, contains inscriptions in three different scripts: Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. The Ancient Greek text on the stone provided the key to understanding the hieroglyphs, as it was the same text translated into the other two scripts. This breakthrough allowed scholars, including Jean-Francois Champollion, to decipher the hieroglyphs and unlock the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.Rate this question:
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- 13.
More than half of the people in Europe speak a second language.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because Europe is known for its linguistic diversity, with many countries having multiple official languages. Additionally, the European Union has 24 official languages, further emphasizing the importance of multilingualism in the region. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that more than half of the people in Europe speak a second language, considering the linguistic richness and cultural exchange within the continent.Rate this question:
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- 14.
More than half of the people in the United States speak a second language.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because less than half of the people in the United States speak a second language. While the United States is a diverse country with many immigrants and bilingual individuals, the majority of the population primarily speaks English as their first and only language. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that more than half of the people in the United States speak a second language.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A student born in the US who learns English at home and Spanish in high school is an example of which type of bilingual?
- A.
Compound
- B.
Consecutive
- C.
Covert
- D.
Balanced
Correct Answer
B. ConsecutiveExplanation
A student born in the US who learns English at home and Spanish in high school is an example of a consecutive bilingual. This term refers to individuals who acquire their second language sequentially, usually after their first language has been established. In this case, the student first learns English as their primary language at home, and then later learns Spanish in high school.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How many extinct languages are there in the world?
- A.
940
- B.
2812
- C.
392
- D.
313
Correct Answer
A. 940Explanation
There are approximately 940 extinct languages in the world. This means that these languages are no longer spoken or used as a native language by any community. Over time, languages can become extinct due to various reasons such as cultural assimilation, migration, or the dominance of a more widely spoken language. The extinction of languages is a loss of cultural diversity and knowledge, as each language carries unique expressions, traditions, and ways of understanding the world.Rate this question:
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