Linguistics Chapter 8: Language Classification

Questions and Answers

How many different languages are there in the world today?

7,000

What allows linguists to arrange languages into groups?

Similarities that allow linguistic arrangement based on shared features.

What is the difference between a dialect and a language?

Dialect is a variation of a language; languages are considered different if there is no mutual intelligibility.

What issue arises with mutual intelligibility?

Some areas claim different languages when they are actually dialects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the border phenomenon in language?

Mutual intelligibility occurs along language borders, creating a mix of languages. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three different approaches to language classification?

Genetic Classification, Linguistic Typology, Areal Classification. Signup and view all the answers

What does genetic classification do?

It categorizes languages according to their descent and ancestor languages. Signup and view all the answers

What is linguistic typology?

It classifies languages based on their structural characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What does areal classification identify?

Characteristics shared by languages that are in geographical contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is typological classification?

It groups languages based on similarities in syntactic patterns and morphological structure. Signup and view all the answers

What are absolute universals?

Structural patterns that occur in all languages. Signup and view all the answers

What are linguistic tendencies?

Structural patterns that occur in most languages. Signup and view all the answers

What are implicational universals?

Traits where the presence of one trait implies the presence of another. Signup and view all the answers

What are marked traits in languages?

More complex and/or universally rare linguistic traits. Signup and view all the answers

What are unmarked traits?

Traits that are acquired quickly and are more prevalent. Signup and view all the answers

Which vowels are found in 99% of languages?

i, u, a, and additions e and o. Signup and view all the answers

What are oral vowels?

Unmarked vowels that can exist without nasal vowels. Signup and view all the answers

What are nasal vowels?

Marked vowels that require the presence of oral vowels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction some languages make between short and long vowels?

No language has only long vowels, but some have only short vowels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Language Classification

Approximately 7,000 different languages exist globally.
Languages exhibit unique vocabulary, syntax, and sound patterns; however, similarities allow for grouping based on shared features.

Dialect vs. Language

Dialects are variations of the same language with mutual intelligibility.
Accents are part of dialects; if speakers cannot understand each other, they are considered different languages.

Mutual Intelligibility Challenges

Claims of different languages may be based on historical, cultural, or religious differences rather than actual linguistic divergence.
Chinese is often viewed as a single language despite comprising distinct languages like Mandarin and Wu.

Border Phenomenon

Languages near borders exhibit mutual intelligibility, resulting in a blend of linguistic features from adjacent regions.

Approaches to Language Classification

Three main classification methods: Genetic Classification, Linguistic Typology, Areal Classification.

Genetic Classification

Organizes languages based on historical descent from a common ancestor.
Languages may be genetically related yet differ morphologically, while unrelated languages can show structural similarities.

Linguistic Typology

Classifies languages by structural characteristics, ignoring genetic relationships.
Groups languages with similar sound patterns or grammatical structures and identifies linguistic universals.

Areal Classification

Focuses on shared traits among languages in geographical proximity.
Neighboring languages can borrow linguistic elements, leading to structural resemblance despite genetic differences.

Typological Classification

Similar to linguistic typology, emphasizes similarities in syntactic patterns, morphological structure, and phonological systems.

Universals in Language

Absolute universals: Structural traits appearing in all languages (e.g., presence of consonants and vowels).
Linguistic tendencies: Patterns common to most languages, indicating structural preferences.

Implicational Universals

Suggest that the presence of one linguistic trait indicates the presence of another, but not vice versa.

Marked vs. Unmarked Traits

Marked traits are complex, rare, and typically acquired under specific conditions; they exhibit more variability.
Unmarked traits are simpler, prevalent, easily acquired, and resistant to change.

Vowel Systems

Unmarked vowels in 99% of languages include i, u, a, with e and o as common additions.
Oral vowels are categorized as unmarked; languages can have them without nasal vowels, represented as oral vowels > nasal vowels.
Marked nasal vowels require the presence of oral vowels; hence, languages cannot possess nasal vowels without having oral ones.

Short and Long Vowels

Some languages differentiate between short and long vowels; however, no language consists solely of long vowels.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of languages in this quiz focused on Chapter 8 of Linguistics. Learn about the classification of the estimated 7,000 languages, their shared features, and the distinctions between dialects and languages. Test your knowledge on the similarities and differences that connect languages across the globe.