The Languages of the Sentinelese Family

Description: Test your knowledge about the Sentinelese Family of Languages, spoken by the Sentinelese people of the Andaman Islands.
Number of Questions: 10
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Tags: indian languages andamanese languages sentinelese family
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Which language family does the Sentinelese language belong to?

  1. Austronesian

  2. Dravidian

  3. Sino-Tibetan

  4. Indo-European


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sentinelese language is part of the Austronesian language family, which includes languages spoken across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of East Asia.

Where are the Sentinelese people found?

  1. Andaman Islands

  2. Nicobar Islands

  3. Lakshadweep Islands

  4. Maldives


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sentinelese people are an indigenous tribe found on North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

What is the estimated population of the Sentinelese people?

  1. 50-200

  2. 200-500

  3. 500-1000

  4. 1000-2000


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The exact population of the Sentinelese people is unknown due to their isolation and lack of contact with outsiders. Estimates range from 50 to 200 individuals.

Why is the Sentinelese language considered endangered?

  1. It has a small number of speakers.

  2. It is not taught in schools.

  3. It is not used in government or media.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sentinelese language is endangered due to its small number of speakers, lack of formal education, and limited use in government and media.

What is the primary mode of communication among the Sentinelese people?

  1. Verbal language

  2. Sign language

  3. Body language

  4. A combination of all three


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sentinelese people use a combination of verbal language, sign language, and body language to communicate among themselves.

What are some of the unique features of the Sentinelese language?

  1. It has a complex system of verb conjugations.

  2. It uses a tonal system to distinguish words.

  3. It has a large number of loanwords from other languages.

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Sentinelese language uses a tonal system to distinguish words, meaning that the pitch of the voice can change the meaning of a word.

How have the Sentinelese people managed to remain isolated for so long?

  1. They live on a remote island.

  2. They are hostile to outsiders.

  3. They have a strong cultural identity.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sentinelese people have managed to remain isolated due to their remote location, their hostility to outsiders, and their strong cultural identity.

What are some of the challenges faced by the Sentinelese people?

  1. Disease

  2. Climate change

  3. Poaching

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sentinelese people face challenges such as disease, climate change, and poaching, which threaten their way of life and their survival.

What efforts are being made to protect the Sentinelese people and their language?

  1. Establishing a marine protected area around North Sentinel Island.

  2. Providing healthcare and education to the Sentinelese people.

  3. Promoting research on the Sentinelese language and culture.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Efforts are being made to protect the Sentinelese people and their language through the establishment of a marine protected area, the provision of healthcare and education, and the promotion of research on their language and culture.

Why is it important to preserve the Sentinelese language?

  1. It is a unique and endangered language.

  2. It provides insights into the history and culture of the Sentinelese people.

  3. It can contribute to our understanding of human diversity and language evolution.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Preserving the Sentinelese language is important because it is a unique and endangered language, it provides insights into the history and culture of the Sentinelese people, and it can contribute to our understanding of human diversity and language evolution.

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