MA ELT

History of English Language (ENG 501)

Fall 2021
Assignment No. 1
Total Marks: 20
Lectures: 1-6 (Topic no. 1-30)

i) Language is a way of expressing or communicating something. Languages sometimes die

when its speakers no longer use it for communication, or when they die before passing it
onto next generation. When a language officially dies, it is difficult to revive. Some people
think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the
world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (10 Marks)

Language is an important part of any country and society. It is through language that we
communicate with the world, define our identity, express our history and culture, learn to defend
our human rights and participate in all aspects of society.
Language is defined as a formal system that includes sounds, signs of symbols and gestures that
are used as an important means of communicating the thoughts, ideas and emotions.
Using language is very important in the global world so that we can make others understand
what we want to convey.
So, I think the more languages will help more nations and people to communicate that will help
in many aspects of life.
ii) The table below shows five different languages. You have to identify whether the
language is dead or alive. If it is dead, mention the reasons/causes for its death. If it is alive,
mention its active speakers. (10 Marks)

Sr. Language Dead Alive Active Members Reason(s) for Cause of Death
Names of Alive
Languages

1 Coptic Dead It was Egyptian language and

was replaced by the Arabic
language. In the middle of 7th
century, when Arabs conquered
Egypt Coptic started dying. It
has been spoken only in church
till now.
2 Akkadian Dead It was used between 2800 BCE
and 500 CE by the people of
Mesopotamia hater on, the
Aramaic language replaced it
because it was more comfortable
than Akkadian

3 Sumerian Dead According to new research a

drought spanning more than two
centuries may have caused
Sumerian to die out and many
have amplified.

4 Mandarin Alive 40 million Chinese

living overseas
mostly in Asian
countries (about 30
million to 80
million)

5 Bavarian Dead This language died out amongst

younger generations there is
danger of it dying out completely
Bavarian is a west Germanic
language.