1 Language Change and Evolution

What is the focus of linguistic anthropology?

• The study of language in historical contexts

• The investigation of language change and evolution

• The analysis of literary texts

• The development of new languages

Which of the following will be discussed in this article on language change and evolution?

• The role of historical linguistics in tracing the evolution of languages

• The impact of technology on language learning

• The influence of music on language development

• The relationship between language and animal communication

What does the article suggest about language?

• It is a static system that does not change over time

• It is a dynamic and ever-evolving human phenomenon

• It is only influenced by educational systems

• It is becoming less complex over time

What is one of the most common types of language change?

• Semantic Change

• Phonological Change

• Syntactic Change

• Morphological Change

What does phonological change involve?

• Alterations in the meaning of words

• Alterations in the order of words in a sentence

• Alterations in the pronunciation of sounds within a language

• Alterations in the use of language in different social contexts

What historical event is an example of phonological change in the English language?

• The Norman Conquest

• The Great Vowel Shift

• The Renaissance

• The Industrial Revolution

During which centuries did the Great Vowel Shift occur, leading to significant phonological changes in English?

• 12th and 13th centuries

• 13th and 14th centuries

• 15th and 16th centuries

• 17th and 18th centuries

What does lexical change refer to in the context of language evolution?

• The process by which the grammar of a language becomes more complex

• The evolution of a language's vocabulary

• The disappearance of a language

• The way in which language is used in different regions

Which of the following factors can influence lexical change?

• Cultural shifts and technological advancements

• The introduction of new species to an ecosystem

• Changes in the earth's climate

• The invention of new types of sports

What is an example of a new English word that has emerged due to the introduction of the internet and smartphones?

• Encyclopedia

• Selfie

• Telegraph

• Phonograph