Language Diversity and Linguistic Concepts

The video explores the complexity of counting languages, highlighting factors like dialects, politics, and resources. It discusses mutual intelligibility, language change over time, and the impact of migration. The role of identity and politics in language classification is examined, along with the challenges of resource allocation and language recognition. The video emphasizes the importance of supporting linguistic diversity and justice.

What is one of the main reasons why it is difficult to determine the exact number of languages in the world?

• All languages are mutually intelligible.

• The distinction between languages and dialects is unclear.

• There is no interest in counting languages.

• Languages are constantly being created.

What is mutual intelligibility?

• The ability to write in multiple scripts.

• The ability to understand each other when speaking different dialects.

• The ability to speak multiple languages fluently.

• The ability to translate languages accurately.

What is a dialect chain?

• A group of languages that share the same script.

• A sequence of dialects where neighboring dialects are mutually intelligible.

• A series of languages that are all mutually unintelligible.

• A collection of languages spoken in the same country.

How can migration influence language change?

• It causes languages to become extinct.

• It leads to the creation of new alphabets.

• It prevents languages from evolving.

• It results in the formation of diaspora communities that maintain original languages.

What is a village sign language?

• A sign language used exclusively in urban areas.

• A sign language developed in small communities with high genetic deafness.

• A sign language that is only used in schools.

• A sign language that is not recognized by linguists.

Why are Hindi and Urdu considered separate languages?

• They are spoken in different continents.

• They have no mutual intelligibility.

• They are written in different scripts for political reasons.

• They have completely different grammar.

What is one reason why some languages are not officially recognized?

• They are not written down.

• They are only spoken by children.

• They are too similar to other languages.

• They have fewer than ten thousand speakers.

What is a significant challenge in creating language resources like dictionaries?

• The need for extensive funding and time.

• Lack of interest from linguists.

• The absence of written records.

• The difficulty in translating languages.

How can communities work towards linguistic justice?

• By enforcing monolingual policies.

• By eliminating regional dialects.

• By supporting education in native languages.

• By creating a single global language.

What is a potential benefit of language revitalization programs?

• They can increase the number of dialects.

• They can make languages more complex.

• They can help maintain cultural heritage.

• They can reduce the number of languages.