Write short, well-illustrated and precise notes on five of the following: (a) Comparative method (b) Concept of language (c) Synchronic linguistics (d) Diachronic linguistics (e) P... Write short, well-illustrated and precise notes on five of the following: (a) Comparative method (b) Concept of language (c) Synchronic linguistics (d) Diachronic linguistics (e) Philology (f) Cognates (g) Dialect geography. Identify and discuss any three language families in the world, clearly outline the goals of historical linguistics. Explain the intricate relationship between typological and areal classification of diffusion. Read more

The Comparative Method analyses language evolution by comparing languages. 'Language' is a communication system of symbols. Synchronic linguistics examines current language states, diachronic linguistics studies historical changes, and Philology studies ancient texts' languages. Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, and Afro-Asiatic are key language families.

Comparative method, Concept of language, Synchronic linguistics, Diachronic linguistics, and Philology can be described as follows:

1. Comparative Method: This is a technique used in historical linguistics to reconstruct the features of a language's ancestor by comparing features of its descendant languages. It helps in identifying cognates.

2. Concept of Language: Language is a structured system of communication. It encompasses sounds, signs, or written symbols in which the function is to convey meaning and facilitate interaction

3. Synchronic Linguistics: This branch studies a language at a specific point in time, typically the present. It contrasts with diachronic linguistics which looks at historical developments.

4. Diachronic Linguistics: Unlike synchronic linguistics, diachronic linguistics examines how languages change over time, focusing on the evolution and historical aspects.

5. Philology: This is the study of language in written historical sources; it's a combination of literary studies, history, and linguistics.

Three Language Families in the World:

• Indo-European: Includes languages such as English, Spanish, and Russian.
• Sino-Tibetan: Includes Chinese and Tibetan languages.
• Afro-Asiatic: Includes Arabic and Hebrew.

Goals of Historical Linguistics:

• To investigate the history and development of languages over time.
• To reconstruct older language forms and understand language relationships.
• To understand how and why languages change.

Relationship Between Typological and Areal Classification:

Typological classification groups languages based on structural features, whereas areal classification looks at languages within certain geographic areas that may not share a familial relationship but have features due to language contact and diffusion.