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Universality in Language and Communication

Description: This quiz assesses your understanding of the concept of universality in language and communication, exploring the idea that certain linguistic and communicative features are shared across cultures and languages.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: universality language communication linguistics cultural universalism
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Which of the following is NOT a universal feature of language?

  1. Arbitrariness of the sign

  2. Productivity

  3. Duality of patterning

  4. Iconicity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Iconicity, the direct resemblance between a linguistic sign and its meaning, is not a universal feature of language. While some languages may exhibit iconic elements, it is not a defining characteristic of all languages.

The principle of duality of patterning refers to the idea that:

  1. Language has two levels of structure: sounds and meanings.

  2. Language can be used to communicate about itself.

  3. Language is a system of symbols that can be combined to create new meanings.

  4. Language is a universal human capacity.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The duality of patterning principle states that language has two levels of structure: the level of sounds (phonology) and the level of meanings (semantics). This allows for the creation of an infinite number of meaningful utterances from a finite set of sounds.

Which of the following is an example of a linguistic universal?

  1. The use of articles in English

  2. The use of tones in Mandarin Chinese

  3. The use of subject-verb-object word order in Japanese

  4. The use of the word 'dog' to refer to a canine animal


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The use of subject-verb-object word order is a linguistic universal, meaning that it is found in all languages. This word order is used to convey the relationship between the subject, verb, and object of a sentence.

What is the term for the idea that certain communicative behaviors are shared across cultures?

  1. Cultural relativism

  2. Linguistic determinism

  3. Universal grammar

  4. Communicative competence


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Communicative competence refers to the ability to use language effectively in different social and cultural contexts. It includes knowledge of linguistic rules, as well as the ability to adapt one's communication style to different situations.

Which of the following is an example of a communicative universal?

  1. The use of hand gestures to communicate

  2. The use of facial expressions to convey emotions

  3. The use of eye contact to establish rapport

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The use of hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to communicate are all examples of communicative universals. These nonverbal behaviors are used in similar ways across cultures to convey messages and establish social connections.

The idea that language is a universal human capacity is supported by the fact that:

  1. All cultures have a language.

  2. Children from all cultures learn to speak.

  3. Language is necessary for human survival.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The universality of language is supported by the fact that all cultures have a language, children from all cultures learn to speak, and language is necessary for human survival. Language allows us to communicate, share ideas, and cooperate with others.

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

  1. The innate language faculty hypothesis

  2. The cultural transmission hypothesis

  3. The social interaction hypothesis

  4. The environmental adaptation hypothesis


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The environmental adaptation hypothesis, which suggests that language evolved as a result of humans' need to adapt to their environment, is not a widely accepted explanation for the universality of language. The other three hypotheses are more commonly cited as potential explanations.

The innate language faculty hypothesis proposes that:

  1. Humans are born with a predisposition to learn language.

  2. Language is a learned behavior.

  3. Language is a product of social interaction.

  4. Language is a cultural artifact.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The innate language faculty hypothesis suggests that humans are born with a biological predisposition to learn language. This predisposition includes the ability to acquire the grammar and vocabulary of a language, as well as the ability to produce and understand speech.

Which of the following is an example of a language universal that supports the innate language faculty hypothesis?

  1. The use of articles in English

  2. The use of tones in Mandarin Chinese

  3. The use of subject-verb-object word order in Japanese

  4. The use of the word 'dog' to refer to a canine animal


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The use of subject-verb-object word order is a language universal that supports the innate language faculty hypothesis. This word order is found in all languages, suggesting that it is a fundamental aspect of human language.

The cultural transmission hypothesis proposes that:

  1. Language is a learned behavior.

  2. Humans are born with a predisposition to learn language.

  3. Language is a product of social interaction.

  4. Language is a cultural artifact.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The cultural transmission hypothesis suggests that language is a learned behavior that is passed down from generation to generation through social interaction. This hypothesis emphasizes the role of culture and society in shaping language.

Which of the following is an example of evidence that supports the cultural transmission hypothesis?

  1. The existence of language universals

  2. The diversity of languages around the world

  3. The fact that children learn to speak the language of their parents

  4. The fact that language changes over time


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The fact that children learn to speak the language of their parents is evidence that supports the cultural transmission hypothesis. This suggests that language is a learned behavior that is passed down from generation to generation.

The social interaction hypothesis proposes that:

  1. Language is a product of social interaction.

  2. Humans are born with a predisposition to learn language.

  3. Language is a learned behavior.

  4. Language is a cultural artifact.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The social interaction hypothesis suggests that language is a product of social interaction. This hypothesis emphasizes the role of communication and interaction in the development and use of language.

Which of the following is an example of evidence that supports the social interaction hypothesis?

  1. The existence of language universals

  2. The diversity of languages around the world

  3. The fact that children learn to speak the language of their parents

  4. The fact that language changes over time


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The fact that language changes over time is evidence that supports the social interaction hypothesis. This suggests that language is a dynamic system that is shaped by the interactions between speakers.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed explanation for the diversity of languages around the world?

  1. Geographical isolation

  2. Cultural differences

  3. Historical events

  4. The innate language faculty


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The innate language faculty is not a proposed explanation for the diversity of languages around the world. The other three factors are commonly cited as potential explanations for linguistic diversity.

Geographical isolation can lead to the development of new languages because:

  1. It prevents people from communicating with each other.

  2. It allows people to develop their own unique culture.

  3. It creates a need for new words and expressions.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Geographical isolation can lead to the development of new languages because it prevents people from communicating with each other, allows them to develop their own unique culture, and creates a need for new words and expressions.

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