Language and Dialect Quiz

What does mutual intelligibility mean?

• The ability of speakers of different languages to understand each other

• The ability of speakers of different dialects of the same language to understand each other

• The ability of speakers to write in the same script

• The ability of speakers to use the same vocabulary

Why is mutual intelligibility not an objectively determined fact?

• It is always clear whether two languages are mutually intelligible.

• It can vary depending on the speakers and their exposure to different dialects.

• It is determined by the number of speakers.

• It is based on the written form of the language.

What is a dialect continuum?

• A situation where dialects are completely distinct from each other.

• A standardized form of a language.

• A range of dialects spoken across a region that gradually change from one form to another.

• A dialect that is no longer spoken.

Which of the following is an example of dialects?

• Mandarin and Cantonese

• English and German

• American English and British English

• French and Spanish

Why are Hindi and Urdu considered distinct languages despite being mutually intelligible?

• They have completely different grammar rules.

• They are becoming more distinct due to political and religious reasons.

• They are spoken in different regions.

• They use the same script.

Why might speakers of Cantonese and Mandarin identify them as the same language despite being unintelligible to each other?

• They use the same script.

• They have the same grammar rules.

• They are identified as dialects of the same language for cultural and political reasons.

• They are spoken in the same region.

How can sociopolitical factors influence the distinction between a language and a dialect?

• By determining the number of speakers

• By providing official recognition and support

• By changing the alphabet used

• By altering the grammar rules

Which of the following statements is true?

• All dialects have a standardized written form.

• Dialects are never mutually intelligible.

• Languages often have a distinct cultural or national identity.

• Dialects are always considered inferior to languages.

Which of the following is an example of languages that are mutually intelligible?

• American English and British English

• Danish and Swedish

• Spanish and French

• Cantonese and Korean