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Exploring the Linguistic Diversity of Dravidian Languages: A Comparative Analysis

Description: **Exploring the Linguistic Diversity of Dravidian Languages: A Comparative Analysis** This quiz delves into the rich linguistic heritage of Dravidian languages, examining their unique features, historical development, and cultural significance. Test your knowledge and understanding of these ancient and diverse languages.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: dravidian languages comparative linguistics language diversity indian languages
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Which of the following is NOT a Dravidian language?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Malayalam

  4. Hindi


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language, while Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam are Dravidian languages.

What is the approximate number of Dravidian languages spoken today?

  1. 20

  2. 70

  3. 150

  4. 250


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

There are approximately 70 Dravidian languages spoken today, with the majority of them found in India.

Which Dravidian language has the largest number of speakers?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Telugu has the largest number of speakers among Dravidian languages, with over 75 million native speakers.

What is the primary geographical region where Dravidian languages are spoken?

  1. North India

  2. South India

  3. East India

  4. West India


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dravidian languages are primarily spoken in South India, with some also found in parts of Central and Eastern India.

Which Dravidian language is considered the oldest?

  1. Tamil

  2. Telugu

  3. Kannada

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Tamil is considered the oldest Dravidian language, with a rich literary tradition dating back over 2,000 years.

What is the characteristic feature of Dravidian languages in terms of their grammatical structure?

  1. Subject-Verb-Object

  2. Subject-Object-Verb

  3. Verb-Subject-Object

  4. Object-Subject-Verb


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dravidian languages typically follow a Subject-Object-Verb grammatical structure.

Which Dravidian language has the most complex system of verb conjugation?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Telugu has the most complex system of verb conjugation among Dravidian languages, with numerous verb forms and tenses.

What is the primary writing system used for Dravidian languages?

  1. Devanagari

  2. Latin

  3. Tamil Script

  4. Telugu Script


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Tamil Script is the primary writing system used for Dravidian languages, with variations and adaptations for different languages.

Which Dravidian language has the largest body of classical literature?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Tamil has the largest body of classical literature among Dravidian languages, with a rich tradition of poetry, prose, and drama.

What is the approximate time period during which the Dravidian languages are believed to have diverged from their common ancestor?

  1. 2,000 years ago

  2. 5,000 years ago

  3. 10,000 years ago

  4. 15,000 years ago


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Dravidian languages are believed to have diverged from their common ancestor approximately 10,000 years ago.

Which Dravidian language has the most distinctive phonological system?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Tamil has the most distinctive phonological system among Dravidian languages, with a unique set of consonants and vowel sounds.

What is the primary factor that has contributed to the linguistic diversity of Dravidian languages?

  1. Geographical Isolation

  2. Cultural Exchange

  3. Political Fragmentation

  4. Religious Diversity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Geographical isolation has been the primary factor contributing to the linguistic diversity of Dravidian languages, as different regions developed their own unique dialects and variations.

Which Dravidian language has the most extensive vocabulary?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Telugu has the most extensive vocabulary among Dravidian languages, with a rich collection of words and phrases.

What is the approximate number of Dravidian languages that are considered endangered or at risk of extinction?

  1. 10

  2. 20

  3. 30

  4. 40


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Approximately 30 Dravidian languages are considered endangered or at risk of extinction due to various factors such as language shift and cultural assimilation.

Which Dravidian language has the most speakers outside of India?

  1. Telugu

  2. Kannada

  3. Tamil

  4. Malayalam


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Tamil has the most speakers outside of India, with significant populations in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mauritius.

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