Introduction to Languages

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What is a primary reason for the divergence of languages over centuries?

• Intentional creation of new languages by leaders.

• Isolation of groups and adaptation to different environments and neighbors.

• Random mutations in speech patterns over time.

• The influence of written language on spoken dialects.

What is a group of languages related by a common ancestor called?

• A linguistic branch

• A proto-language

• A language family

• A dialect group

Which linguistic features are considered most reliable for determining if languages are related?

• Similar-sounding words and borrowed terms.

• Grammar, syntax, and basic vocabulary like pronouns and kinship terms.

• The number of speakers and geographical proximity.

• The presence of written records and historical documents.

What is a significant challenge in classifying languages and dialects?

• The lack of linguists available to study all languages.

• The difficulty in translating between different language systems.

• The arbitrary nature of distinguishing between a dialect and a separate language, often influenced by political factors.

• The rapid rate at which new languages are being created.

What is a primary challenge in tracing language relationships back to very ancient common ancestors?

• The increasing number of new languages being discovered.

• The lack of sufficient evidence for languages further back in time.

• The difficulty in finding native speakers of ancient languages.

• The influence of modern technology on language evolution.