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Cross-Linguistic Patterns in Language and Society

Description: Cross-Linguistic Patterns in Language and Society
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: language universals cross-linguistic patterns sociolinguistics
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What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where languages tend to have similar structures and patterns across different cultures and societies?

  1. Linguistic Universals

  2. Cross-Linguistic Patterns

  3. Language Convergence

  4. Language Divergence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Linguistic Universals are the common features and patterns that are found across different languages, regardless of their geographical or cultural origins.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for the existence of linguistic universals?

  1. Biological Constraints

  2. Cognitive Constraints

  3. Social Constraints

  4. Historical Constraints


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Historical constraints are not typically considered to be a major factor in explaining linguistic universals, as languages can change and evolve over time, leading to differences between languages.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where languages that are in close geographical proximity tend to develop similar features and structures?

  1. Language Convergence

  2. Language Divergence

  3. Linguistic Universals

  4. Cross-Linguistic Patterns


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Language Convergence is the process by which languages that are in close geographical proximity tend to develop similar features and structures over time, due to factors such as trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed mechanism for language convergence?

  1. Borrowing

  2. Calque

  3. Substrate Influence

  4. Superstrate Influence


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Calque is not a mechanism for language convergence, as it refers to the process of creating new words or phrases in one language by directly translating them from another language, rather than borrowing them.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where languages that are spoken by different social groups within a society tend to develop different features and structures?

  1. Language Divergence

  2. Language Convergence

  3. Linguistic Universals

  4. Cross-Linguistic Patterns


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Language Divergence is the process by which languages that are spoken by different social groups within a society tend to develop different features and structures over time, due to factors such as social stratification, isolation, and cultural differences.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed mechanism for language divergence?

  1. Social Stratification

  2. Isolation

  3. Cultural Differences

  4. Language Contact


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Language Contact is not a mechanism for language divergence, as it refers to the process of interaction between two or more languages, which can lead to language convergence or language change.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a language is spoken by a large number of people across different regions and cultures?

  1. Global Language

  2. Lingua Franca

  3. National Language

  4. Regional Language


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A Global Language is a language that is spoken by a large number of people across different regions and cultures, and is often used for international communication and trade.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for the rise of global languages?

  1. Economic Dominance

  2. Political Power

  3. Cultural Influence

  4. Technological Advancements


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Technological Advancements are not typically considered to be a major factor in explaining the rise of global languages, as they can facilitate communication between people who speak different languages, but do not necessarily lead to the dominance of a single language.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a language is used for official purposes, such as government, education, and media, within a particular country or region?

  1. National Language

  2. Official Language

  3. Lingua Franca

  4. Regional Language


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

An Official Language is a language that is used for official purposes, such as government, education, and media, within a particular country or region.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for the choice of official languages?

  1. Historical Factors

  2. Political Factors

  3. Economic Factors

  4. Cultural Factors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Economic Factors are not typically considered to be a major factor in explaining the choice of official languages, as they are more likely to influence the choice of a lingua franca or global language.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a language is spoken by a small number of people, often within a specific geographical area or community?

  1. Regional Language

  2. Minority Language

  3. National Language

  4. Global Language


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A Minority Language is a language that is spoken by a small number of people, often within a specific geographical area or community.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for the endangerment of minority languages?

  1. Language Contact

  2. Globalization

  3. Economic Factors

  4. Political Factors


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Language Contact is not typically considered to be a major factor in explaining the endangerment of minority languages, as it can sometimes lead to language revitalization or language maintenance.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a language is no longer spoken by any living speakers?

  1. Extinct Language

  2. Dead Language

  3. Minority Language

  4. Regional Language


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An Extinct Language is a language that is no longer spoken by any living speakers.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for language extinction?

  1. Natural Disasters

  2. War and Conflict

  3. Cultural Assimilation

  4. Language Contact


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Language Contact is not typically considered to be a major factor in explaining language extinction, as it can sometimes lead to language revitalization or language maintenance.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a language is revived or revitalized after a period of decline or dormancy?

  1. Language Revitalization

  2. Language Maintenance

  3. Language Extinction

  4. Language Convergence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Language Revitalization is the process of reviving or revitalizing a language after a period of decline or dormancy.

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