The majority of linguistic scholars recognize that language will inevi

Question

The majority of linguistic scholars recognize that language will inevitably evolve over time. What causes this change, however, is the subject of great debate. One respected scholar claims that it is the colloquial, or nonstandard, usages within a language that drive its change and development. In other words, it is not formal speech but rather slang that acts as a catalyst for language evolution. Other scholars argue that it is geographical isolation that leads to the formation of one language, and it is the eventual mingling with other languages and gradual globalization that cause languages to evolve and perhaps even to merge into a single language.

The passage supports which of the following claims?

(A) Colloquial and nonstandard usages have been recognized as significant factors in language evolution.

(B) Linguistic scholars will probably never be able to come to agreement about what contributes to language evolution.

(C) With the advent of globalization, different languages will ultimately disappear and fuse into one.

(D) All languages have a common origin and have gradually evolved into individual languages due to geographical isolation.

(E) Regardless of the reason for language evolution, languages are recognized to be dynamic and will not remain static.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Overview:

Question begins with a passage explaining the challenge of understanding the evolution of language. The author of the passage mentions that linguistic scholars do not necessarily agree on what causes the evolution of language. One claims colloquial distinctions, while others suggest that geographical divisions are most responsible. The passage concludes with the add-on statement that as the world becomes more global and geographical divisions give way to globalization, languages might ultimately join and become a single language. The question asks the student to select an answer choice that is supported by claims made in the passage. In this question, the passage is organized somewhat differently from previous passage, in that in begins with a general statement about the difficulties of reconciling two features. It continues with one side of a contrast and actually concludes with the other side of the contrast without a clear hint of a reconciliation or a return to the opening statement. So, the student needs to beware of assuming too much about the author’s preference for one side of the issue or the author.

The Correct Answer:

E Since the passage does not offer a clear conclusion about the reconciliation for the two contrasting views of language evolution, the student is left with selecting an answer choice that is clearly suggested from the passage. The passage opens with the following two sentences: “The majority of linguistic scholars recognize that language will inevitably evolve over time. What causes this change, however, is the subject of great debate.” From this, it may be inferred that (1) languages are dynamic and do not stop evolving, and (2) even scholars who do not agree on the reason for the change can agree that change does occur. The rest of the passage supports these inferences, so answer choice (E) is correct.

The Incorrect Answers:

A Recognizing that answer choice (A) is incorrect requires a careful look at the wording. The author claims, “One respected scholar claims that it is the colloquial or nonstandard usages within a language that drive its change and development.” And yet the answer choice indicates that colloquial and nonstandard usages are recognized to be significant factors in language evolution. One scholar does not make a general recognition among linguists, and while this scholar might be correct, the passage does not necessarily support this claim. Answer choice (A) is incorrect.

B The author of the passage indicates that linguistic scholars do not currently agree on what causes language evolution. There is nothing in the passage to suggest, however, that linguistic scholars will never agree. Answer choice (B) assumes more than the passage implies, so it is incorrect.

C The end of the passage suggests that some scholars believe there will be an end to individual languages and a resultant global language. The passage does not imply, however, that this is a universal opinion or that it is the reconciliation of the contrasting ideas. It is simply one idea, so it does not function as anything more than a single theory in the passage. Answer choice (C) assumes too much, so it cannot be correct.

D The passage is focused primarily on language evolution and not language origin(s), and there is nothing whatsoever in the passage to suggest that all languages derive from a single source. Answer choice (D) may be eliminated

NawalDwivedi · Answer

E imo is correct. The first line of the prompt quotes that....majority of linguistic scholars recognize that language will inevitably  evolve over time . What causes this  change , however..... . So The dynamic part and non static part of the answer option is confirmed by this line.
others can be eliminated.
A- Only the first scholar talks about the colloquial and non standard perspective.
B- Its too extreme to say scholars would never arrive at a conclusion. Well in future it could be possible.
C- Only the second scholar takes into account the globalization perspective and the author neither agrees not refutes it.
D- Common origin !!! Nowhere mentioned imo.

VerbalBot · Answer

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The majority of linguistic scholars recognize that language will inevi

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