1.
We don't know the exact number of languages used today.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the exact number of languages used today is unknown. There are thousands of languages spoken around the world, and many of them are endangered or have not been fully documented. Additionally, new languages continue to emerge over time. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the exact number of languages used today.
2.
Word order is the same in all languages.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement that word order is the same in all languages is false. Different languages have different rules regarding word order. For example, English typically follows a subject-verb-object (SVO) word order, while other languages like Japanese may use a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order. Additionally, some languages, like Latin, are more flexible in their word order. Therefore, word order can vary significantly across different languages.
3.
There is more than one kind of sign language.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because there are indeed multiple types of sign language. Sign languages are unique to different regions and countries, and they have their own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural influences. Some well-known sign languages include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). These languages are used by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate visually through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
4.
Many hearing-impaired people use a sign language.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because many hearing-impaired people communicate using sign language, which involves using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. Sign language is a visual language that allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate effectively with others. It is a recognized language with its own grammar and syntax, and is used by millions of people worldwide as their primary means of communication.
5.
A language family can be small or large.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A language family can indeed be small or large. Language families are groups of languages that are believed to have descended from a common ancestral language. Some language families, such as the Indo-European family, are large and include numerous languages spoken across different regions. On the other hand, there are also smaller language families that consist of only a few closely related languages. Therefore, the statement that a language family can be small or large is true.
6.
There is nothing we can do to prevent the loss of half the world's languages.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is not true because there are measures that can be taken to prevent the loss of half the world's languages. Efforts such as language preservation programs, documentation, and revitalization initiatives can help in preserving endangered languages. These efforts include recording and documenting languages, teaching them in schools, and promoting their use in communities. By taking these actions, it is possible to prevent the loss of languages and promote linguistic diversity.
7.
More people speak Chinese than any other language.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1.3 billion native speakers. It is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and is also spoken in various other countries. Mandarin Chinese, the most common dialect, is taught in schools worldwide due to China's economic and cultural influence. Therefore, it is accurate to say that more people speak Chinese than any other language.
8.
50% of the world's population speaks Chinese.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "50% of the world's population speaks Chinese" is false. While Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, it is not spoken by 50% of the global population. According to estimates, Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken dialect, is spoken by around 14% of the world's population. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
9.
Adults and children use different parts of their brain to learn a second language.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Adults and children have different brain development and cognitive abilities, which affect their language learning process. Research suggests that adults primarily use the left hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for analytical thinking and language production, while children rely more on the right hemisphere, which is associated with creativity and intuitive language learning. This difference in brain activation and neural pathways may explain why adults and children have different language learning experiences and abilities when acquiring a second language.