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Language vs Dialect Definitions

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Questions and Answers

How does common usage typically define 'language' and 'dialect'?

Based on the number of speakers
Based on historical derivations (correct)
Based on the weather patterns of the region
Based on the alphabet used

What social factors are commonly considered when defining dialects?

Education level and marital status
Age and gender
Class and location (correct)
Income and occupation

How is 'dialect' often viewed in relation to 'language'?

'Dialect' is seen as an equivalent to 'language'
'Dialect' is deemed unrelated to 'language'
'Dialect' is considered subordinate to 'language' (correct)
'Dialect' is considered superior to 'language'

Why does Hudson (1980) argue that claiming a variety as a language based on size is meaningless?

Because size is entirely subjective (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is using 'mutual intelligibility' as a criterion problematic for distinguishing between 'language' and 'dialect'?

It suggests a division between the terms that is subjective (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of mutual intelligibility?

The ability of speakers of two varieties to understand each other. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does popular usage in Scandinavia differ from the concept of mutual intelligibility?

Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish are considered separate despite mutual intelligibility. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do ordinary people typically view a dialect according to the text?

A local and non-prestigious variety of a language. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What difficulty do scholars face in distinguishing between language and dialect?

Difficulty in deciding which term should be used due to the simple dichotomy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Haugen describe the situation regarding language and dialect terms?

'Infinitely complex.' (C) Signup and view all the answers

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