Question:
Which of the following are myths about language?
Which of the following are myths about language?
Show Hint
\textbf{- All natural languages can express complex ideas; there are no "primitive" languages.}
\textbf{- Informal forms like slang or texting are natural and creative, not harmful.}
\textbf{- Informal forms like slang or texting are natural and creative, not harmful.}
Updated On: Aug 22, 2025
- \textbf{There are primitive languages that cannot express complex ideas effectively.}
- \textbf{Swearing, texting, slang and colloquialisms degrade a language and its grammar.}
- \textbf{There is no difference between languages with and without scripts.}
- \textbf{Grammar textbooks prescribe rules and norms of usage in a language.}
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A, B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Analyzing option (A)
The idea that some languages are primitive and incapable of expressing complex thought is a myth. All natural human languages are equally expressive, even if they differ in vocabulary or script. Step 2: Analyzing option (B)
The belief that slang, texting, or colloquial speech "degrades" a language is also a myth. Informal registers are a natural part of linguistic evolution and do not harm the structure of a language. Step 3: Checking option (C)
This statement is actually true, not a myth. Languages exist independently of writing. Having or not having a script does not change their linguistic complexity, but saying "no difference" refers to equality in expressive power, which is correct. Step 4: Checking option (D)
Grammar textbooks do prescribe rules and norms for "standard" usage. While linguists study language descriptively, prescriptive grammar books exist and do set such norms. Hence this is not a myth. Step 5: Conclusion
The myths about language are only in (A) and (B). \[ \boxed{Correct Answer: (A) and (B)} \]
The idea that some languages are primitive and incapable of expressing complex thought is a myth. All natural human languages are equally expressive, even if they differ in vocabulary or script. Step 2: Analyzing option (B)
The belief that slang, texting, or colloquial speech "degrades" a language is also a myth. Informal registers are a natural part of linguistic evolution and do not harm the structure of a language. Step 3: Checking option (C)
This statement is actually true, not a myth. Languages exist independently of writing. Having or not having a script does not change their linguistic complexity, but saying "no difference" refers to equality in expressive power, which is correct. Step 4: Checking option (D)
Grammar textbooks do prescribe rules and norms for "standard" usage. While linguists study language descriptively, prescriptive grammar books exist and do set such norms. Hence this is not a myth. Step 5: Conclusion
The myths about language are only in (A) and (B). \[ \boxed{Correct Answer: (A) and (B)} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top GATE XH- C3 Language and Linguistics Questions
- Choose the option that demonstrates Grassmann's law of sound change.
- Assuming a language has 5 basic colour terms, which one of the following options is predicted by language universals?
- Consider the following two statements and choose the correct option.
S1: Patients with Broca's aphasia have trouble producing speech.
S2: Patients with Wernicke's aphasia have trouble understanding what others say. - Language X is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some, though this is not yet widespread or sustainable. Based on the EGIDS scale by Lewis and Simons 2010, what is the status of the language X?
Choose the option that correctly matches the names of scholars (P – S) in column X with the fields or approaches (i – iv) in column Y they are primarily associated with.
View More Questions
Top GATE XH- C3 Linguistics and Language Studies Questions
- Choose the option that demonstrates Grassmann's law of sound change.
Choose the option that correctly matches the names of scholars (P – S) in column X with the fields or approaches (i – iv) in column Y they are primarily associated with.
- In William Labov's Martha's Vineyard study, what is/are the sound change/s involved?
- Which of the following is / are demonstrated by dichotic listening experiments?
- The following sentences are examples of Hinglish. What term is used to describe such productions? i. Yaar, if you don't come now, ticket nahin milega.
ii. Sahi direction mein utha har kadam… after all life is all about the next step.
iii. Pepsi – Yeh Dil Maange More!
View More Questions
Top GATE XH- C3 Questions
- Which one of the following numbers is odd one out?
31541 42651 53791 64871 75981 - Ankit, Arun, and Ankur have one apple each. Ankur also has one banana. Alam has one mango and one kiwi. Ankit has just bought one pineapple. Who has the least number of fruit(s)?
- If each vowel in the word RESIDE is changed to its previous letter in the English alphabet and each consonant is changed to the next letter in the English alphabet, which one of the following options will be the third from the right?
- Vipul, Ahmad, Santosh, and David are playing Carrom. Vipul and Ahmad are partners sitting opposite to each other. David faces towards South. If Vipul faces towards West, then who faces towards the North?
- Consider the following sentence: "What the country needs _______ accordingly."
First and last parts of the sentence are given. P, Q, R, and S are the remaining parts of the sentence, not necessarily in that order.
P: and change tactics
Q: who would encourage players
R: are coaches and officials
S: to read the game as it progresses
Which one of the following options is correct that gives the most appropriate order and meaning to the sentence?
View More Questions