Chap 1

Which characteristic of language allows for the creation of new words and expressions?

• Arbitrariness

• Creativity

• Mutability

• Discreteness

What is the term for the universal properties found across all languages?

• Language specifics

• Language universals

• Language dialects

• Language variations

Which of the following is an example of a language universal related to sound systems?

• All languages have more vowel sounds than consonant sounds.

• All languages have the same number of sounds.

• All languages have more consonant sounds than vowel sounds.

• All languages only use vowels.

What does the principle of arbitrariness in language mean?

• There is a logical connection between a word's form and its meaning.

• There is no inherent connection between a word's form and its meaning.

• The meaning of a word dictates its form.

• The sound of the word suggests the meaning.

Which property of language refers to the fact that linguistic units can be broken down into smaller, distinct parts?

• Mutability

• Inaccessibility

• Creativity

• Discreteness

What does 'mutability' of language refer to?

• Language is static and unchanging.

• Language changes over time.

• Language is only spoken, not written.

• Language has a fixed vocabulary.

Which term describes the largely subconscious nature of linguistic knowledge?

• Accessibility

• Mutability

• Inaccessibility

• Creativity

Linguistics is often described as the ________ study of language.

• Historical

• Prescriptive

• Scientific

• Comparative

What is linguistic competence?

• The ability to speak a language perfectly.

• The subconscious knowledge that allows a speaker use a language.

• The study of language history.

• Memorizing vocabulary words.

What is the difference between linguistic competence and linguistic performance?

• Competence is subconscious knowledge, while performance is the actual use of language.

• Competence is the actual use of language, while performance is subconscious knowledge.

• There is no difference; they are the same thing.

• Competence only involves speaking.