A. Pidgin
B. Creole
C. None of these
D. Lingua Franca
Explanation
Pidgin is a simplified language that develops as a means of communication between groups with no common language, typically for trade or other specific needs. It usually has a limited vocabulary and simplified grammar compared to fully developed languages.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. None of these
B. Universal Grammar
C. Transformational Grammar
D. Syntax
Explanation
Universal Grammar refers to the theory that certain grammatical structures are shared by all languages and are innate to human beings. It suggests that humans are born with an inherent ability to acquire language , and these universal structures form the basis for all languages.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Socio-linguistics
B. None of these
C. Applied linguistics
D. Psycho-linguistics
Explanation
Psycho-linguistics studies the mental processes involved in language acquisition, storage, and processing in the brain. It focuses on how individuals learn, comprehend, and produce language, examining both cognitive and neural mechanisms.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Noam Chomsky
B. Leonard Bloomfield
C. None of these
D. Charles Sanders Peirce
Explanation
Chomsky introduced the concepts of " competence " and " performance ," which parallel Saussure’s " langue " and "parole." " Competence " refers to an idealized knowledge of language, while " performance " is its actual use in speech.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Semi-vowels
B. None of these
C. Triphthongs
D. Diphthongs
Explanation
Diphthongs are vowel sounds that begin with one vowel position and smoothly transition to another within the same syllable (e.g., "coin," "loud"). They differ from monophthongs , which have a single, unchanging vowel sound.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. None of these
B. Compounding
C. Derivation
D. Portmanteau
Explanation
Derivation forms new words by adding prefixes or suffixes (e.g., happy → unhappy, teach → teacher ). It differs from compounding , which combines whole words (e.g., sunflower, notebook ).
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Progressive
B. Reciprocal
C. None of these
D. Regressive
Explanation
In progressive assimilation, the preceding sound affects the following sound. It contrasts with regressive assimilation , where the later sound influences the earlier one.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. None of these
B. Synchronic
C. Idiosyncrasy
D. Diachronic
Explanation
Diachronic linguistics studies language evolution over time. It contrasts with synchronic linguistics , which examines language at a specific moment.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Sibilants
B. Suffixes
C. None of the above
D. Syllabic consonants
Explanation
Syllabic consonants act as the nucleus of a syllable without needing a vowel (e.g., "bottle" /l̩/ ). Common examples include /l̩/, /n̩/, and /m̩/ in unstressed syllables.
Show/Hide Explanation
A. Metalanguage
B. Protolanguage
C. Paralanguage
D. None of these
Explanation
Paralanguage includes non-verbal elements like tone, pitch, and gestures in communication. It helps convey emotions and meaning beyond spoken words.
Show/Hide Explanation