Contemporary linguist Dr. Sarah Chen challenges the common characterization of language change as 'linguistic decay,' arguing that such terminology re...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Contemporary linguist Dr. Sarah Chen challenges the common characterization of language change as 'linguistic decay,' arguing that such terminology reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how languages evolve. According to Chen, describing language change as decay implies that languages possess some ideal, static form from which any deviation represents deterioration, but this perspective fails to account for the complex adaptive processes through which languages respond to communicative needs, social pressures, and cognitive constraints over time.
Which statement, if true, would most directly support Chen's argument as presented in the text?
Historical records show that many languages considered 'prestigious' today were once dismissed as 'corrupt' versions of their predecessors by contemporary scholars.
Linguistic research demonstrates that languages simultaneously undergo phonological simplification in some areas while developing increased morphological complexity in others, reflecting functional adaptation rather than deterioration.
The rate of language change has accelerated significantly in recent decades due to increased global communication and technological advancement.
Most documented cases of language change can be traced to contact between different linguistic communities rather than internal decay processes.
I'll solve this step-by-step, following the systematic approach for Command of Evidence questions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Contemporary linguist Dr. Sarah Chen challenges the common characterization of language change as 'linguistic decay,' arguing that such terminology reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how languages evolve.' |
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| 'According to Chen, describing language change as decay implies that languages possess some ideal, static form from which any deviation represents deterioration, but this perspective fails to account for the complex adaptive processes through which languages respond to communicative needs, social pressures, and cognitive constraints over time.' |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen argues that calling language change 'linguistic decay' is fundamentally wrong because it misunderstands language evolution as deterioration rather than adaptation.
Argument Flow: Chen challenges the 'linguistic decay' characterization by explaining that this view incorrectly assumes languages have ideal forms and that any change represents deterioration, when actually languages undergo complex adaptive processes in response to various needs and constraints.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Chen's argument has two main parts: (1) the 'decay' view is wrong because it assumes an ideal form and treats change as bad, and (2) language change is actually adaptive - languages respond to communicative needs, social pressures, and cognitive constraints.
- The right answer should:
- Show that language change is adaptive/functional rather than deterioration
- Demonstrate that changes serve purposes rather than representing decay
- Contradict the idea that change equals deterioration
Historical records show that many languages considered 'prestigious' today were once dismissed as 'corrupt' versions of their predecessors by contemporary scholars.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that prestigious languages were once considered corrupt. This supports the point about changing perceptions but doesn't prove language change is adaptive.
Linguistic research demonstrates that languages simultaneously undergo phonological simplification in some areas while developing increased morphological complexity in others, reflecting functional adaptation rather than deterioration.
✓ Correct
- Shows languages simultaneously simplify in some areas while becoming more complex in others. This demonstrates 'functional adaptation' - exactly what Chen argues happens. Directly contradicts the decay model by showing change serves adaptive functions rather than representing deterioration.
The rate of language change has accelerated significantly in recent decades due to increased global communication and technological advancement.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that language change has accelerated recently. This doesn't address whether change is decay or adaptation - just the rate of change.
Most documented cases of language change can be traced to contact between different linguistic communities rather than internal decay processes.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that language change comes from contact between communities rather than internal decay processes. While this contradicts 'internal decay processes,' it doesn't demonstrate that change is adaptive.