LANG 1120 – Understanding Human Language

Bernstein

“Constant Change,” from the series Speaking in Tongues

(DVD and streaming via Blackboard)

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE IN CLASS. SEE DUE DATE ON BLACKBOARD.

PLEASE TYPE!!!!!!!!

Questions

1. How long does it take for 2 languages to diversify beyond the point of mutual comprehension?

2. What does Chomsky think about linguistic diversity?

3. What does work on the FoxP2 gene tell us?

4. Approximately how many years ago did the human language capacity develop?

5. What are internal and external sources of language change?

6. Do children replicate/acquire a language wholesale?

7. How long did it take for Nicaraguan deaf kids to develop a brand new sign language? What does
that show?

8. Are languages static? Why or why not?

9. What is a “dialect,” according to McWhorter?

10. How many languages are there?