Language

Question 1

Importance of language in the context of human geography:

Answer 1

• language is a learned behaviour

- encourages interaction within a group and hinders interactions between groups

Question 2

Why do languages die?

Answer 2

• a dying language is associated with economic disadvantage

- globalization favours a common language rather than diversity

Question 3

Implications of language loss:

Answer 3

Negative: Loss of different perspectives on the world (like monoculture)

Positive: unity by removal of communication barrier

Question 4

Language divergence

Answer 4

A language is broken into dialects and evolves into new languages when different groups of speakers lack interaction

Question 5

Language convergence

Answer 5

Different languages have consistent spatial interaction and the languages collapse into one

Question 6

Protolanguage:

Answer 6

A common language reconstructed by linguists

Question 7

6 ways languages diffuse

Answer 7

• human interaction
• print distribution
• migration
• trade
• colonialism
• making of a nation-state

Question 8

Toponym

Answer 8

The name of a place

Question 9

Why do we name places?

Answer 9

• to give meaning to a landscape

- to show control

Question 10

Why are the names of places changed?

Answer 10

• result of colonization
• decolonization initiation
• After a political revolution
• To memorialize people or events

Question 11

3 types of language hybrids:

Answer 11

• Pidgin language: simplified fusion of languages
• Creole: Pidgin language that becomes more complex dominant language
• Lingua Franca: A simple new second language for alien groups to communicate by