About how many languages are being spoken in the world today?

Answer explanation

Approximately 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide today. This number reflects the rich diversity of cultures and communities, although many languages are at risk of extinction.

How do you know that people speak different languages rather than just different dialects of the same language?

Answer explanation

Languages are distinct when they are not mutually intelligible, meaning speakers cannot understand each other. Dialects are variations within a language that remain comprehensible to each other, indicating a shared linguistic root.

Which language is the widely spoken lingua franca today in the world? Why?

Answer explanation

English is the most widely spoken lingua franca today due to its global influence in business, science, and technology, making it a common means of communication among speakers of different native languages.

Why isn't language only a medium of verbal transfer?

Answer explanation

Language is not just a medium of verbal transfer because it encompasses non-verbal elements like body language, gestures, and written forms, which all contribute to communication and meaning beyond spoken words.

What is the scientific field that studies language?

Answer explanation

The scientific field that studies language is called linguistics. It encompasses the analysis of language form, meaning, and context, exploring how languages are structured and how they function in communication.

What is the approach that sets language rules considered appropriate and acceptable, and recommended as good use of language?

Answer explanation

The approach that sets language rules considered appropriate and acceptable is known as 'prescriptive grammar'. It prescribes how language should be used, promoting standards for good language use.

What is "linguistics competence"? In what sense does it differ from the "linguistic performance"?

Answer explanation

Linguistic competence refers to a speaker's implicit knowledge of their language's rules, while linguistic performance is the actual use of language in concrete situations. The two differ in that competence is theoretical, and performance is practical.

What is pragmatics? What is the difference between semantics and pragmatics?

Answer explanation

Pragmatics is the study of how context influences meaning in communication. Semantics focuses on the meaning of words and sentences in isolation. The key difference is that semantics deals with literal meaning, while pragmatics considers context and implied meaning.

What is the difference between language acquisition and language learning?

Answer explanation

Language acquisition is the natural process of picking up a language, typically occurring in early childhood, while language learning is a more formal, conscious process often involving instruction and practice.

What is the Critical Period Hypothesis?

Answer explanation

The Critical Period Hypothesis suggests there is a specific time frame in early life during which language acquisition occurs most easily and effectively, after which it becomes significantly more difficult.