NAFI EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALL CORRECT
What is phonology? - Answer-Phonology is the description of the systems and patterns
of speech sounds in a language. It is concerned with the abstract or mental aspect of
the sounds in language rather than with the actual physical articulation of speech
sounds.
What is the purpose of studying phonology? - Answer-Studying phonology helps us
understand the underlying sound patterns of a language, recognize different
pronunciations of the same phoneme, and distinguish meaning in speech sounds. It
provides insights into how languages organize and use sounds.
What is the contrastive property of a phoneme? - Answer-The contrastive property of a
phoneme means that substituting one sound for another in a word changes the
meaning. If there is a change of meaning, then the two sounds represent different
phonemes.
What are some proposed explanations for the origins of language based on divine
sources? - Answer-1. Biblical tradition<br>2. Hindu traditions<br>3. Divine source
experiments<br>4. The Quranic explanation on divine source<br><br>Some proposed
explanations for the origins of language are based on divine sources. These
explanations include references to biblical tradition, Hindu traditions, divine source
experiments, and the Quranic explanation. These perspectives attribute the origins of
language to divine intervention or inspiration.
What is the physical adaptation source theory of language origin? - Answer-The
physical adaptation source theory focuses on the physical features that humans
possess, which may have supported the production of speech. These features include
an upright posture, bipedal locomotion, a revised role for the front limbs, and
streamlined versions of features found in other primates. The characteristics of the
human teeth, lips, mouth, and tongue suggest adaptations for speech production. While
these features alone may not lead to speech production, they indicate that humans
have the capacity for speech.
What are the constituents of a language? - Answer-Sounds, Morphemes, Words,
Phrases, Sentences, Context.<br><br>A language consists of various components
including sounds, morphemes, words, phrases, sentences, and context. These
constituents work together to form meaningful communication.
,What is the bow-wow theory of language origin? - Answer-The bow-wow theory
suggests that primitive words in early language could have been imitations of natural
sounds. Examples of onomatopoeic words that support this theory include splash, bang,
boom, rattle, buzz, and hiss. However, it is unlikely that a language based solely on
echoing natural sounds could account for the wide range of soundless things and
abstract concepts in our world.
What is the yo-he-ho theory of language origin? - Answer-The yo-he-ho theory
proposes that the sounds of physical effort and coordination, such as hums, grunts,
groans, and curses, could have formed the basis of human language. This theory
suggests that early humans living in groups and engaging in physical tasks developed a
set of sounds to communicate and coordinate their actions. However, this theory does
not explain the origins of the sounds produced or why apes and other primates, which
also live in social groups, have not developed speech.
What are the branches of linguistics? - Answer-Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology,
Lexicology, Syntax, Traditional Grammar, Semantics, Pragmatics.<br><br>Linguistics is
a multidisciplinary field that is divided into several branches. These branches include
phonetics and phonology, morphology, lexicology, syntax, traditional grammar,
semantics, and pragmatics. Each branch focuses on a specific aspect of language and
contributes to our understanding of how language is structured and used.
When did the development of language likely occur? - Answer-The development of
language likely occurred between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago. This estimate is
based on the emergence of modern human anatomical features and the appearance of
written language around 5,000 years ago. However, there is no direct evidence or
artifacts relating to the early speech forms, and the earliest writing samples date back to
3500 BC.
What are some speculations on the origins of language? - Answer-1. Natural sound
source<br>2. Social interaction source<br>3. Physical adaptation source<br>4. Tool-
making source<br>5. Genetic source<br><br>The origins of language have been the
subject of speculation and theories. Some of the proposed sources for the origins of
language include natural sound source, social interaction source, physical adaptation
source, tool-making source, and genetic source. These speculations provide different
perspectives on how language may have emerged in human history.
What is phonetics? - Answer-Phonetics is the study of speech sounds, including how
they are produced (articulatory phonetics), their physical properties as sound waves in
the air (acoustic phonetics), and how they are perceived by the ear (auditory phonetics).
What are dental sounds? - Answer-Dental sounds are formed with the tongue tip behind
the upper front teeth. Examples include the initial sound of th in thick and the final sound
of th in bath, represented by the symbol [θ].
, What are labiodental sounds? - Answer-Labiodental sounds are formed with the upper
teeth and the lower lip. Examples include the initial sounds of fat and vat and the final
sounds in safe and save, represented by the symbols [f] and [v].
What is the Eski Uygur Alfabesi? - Answer-The Eski Uygur Alfabesi was used in current
Eastern Turkistan and Mongolia regions from the 7th to 8th century for writing Buddhist,
Manichaean, and Christian religious texts. It was developed from the Soğd alphabet and
used in manuscripts until the 18th century. The alphabet consists of 22 letters, 4 vowels,
and is written from top to bottom.
What is the Göktürk (Orhun) Alfabesi? - Answer-The Göktürk (Orhun) Alfabesi is the
first writing system used by the Turks. It was deciphered by Vilhelm Thomsen in 1893. It
was inspired by the Soğd alphabet and consists of 38 letters, 4 vowels, and 34
consonants. The alphabet has two signs for many consonants and words are written
separately without any punctuation. The script is generally written from right to left with
reversed letters in case of left to right writing.
What are bilabial sounds? - Answer-Bilabial sounds are formed using both the upper
and lower lips. Examples include the initial sounds in pat, bat, and mat, represented by
the symbols [p], [b], and [m]. The [w] sound at the beginning of way, walk, and world is
also a bilabial sound.
What is the place of articulation? - Answer-The place of articulation refers to the location
inside the mouth where the constriction takes place when producing certain sounds.
Different sounds are produced by using the tongue and other parts of the mouth to
constrict the shape of the oral cavity.
What is the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds? - Answer-In articulatory
phonetics, voiced sounds are produced when the vocal folds are brought together,
causing vibration, while voiceless sounds are produced when the vocal folds are spread
apart, allowing air to pass through without vibration.
What is the Tower of Babel story from the Bible? - Answer-The Tower of Babel story
from the Bible tells of a time when all people spoke the same language and decided to
build a tower that would reach the heavens as a symbol of their power and challenge
against God. However, God saw their pride and confusion and decided to confuse their
language, causing them to scatter across the Earth. The tower was left unfinished, and
the people were scattered, resulting in the diversity of languages we have today.
What is the Tower of Babel? - Answer-The Tower of Babel is a story from the book of
Genesis in the Bible that describes how people spoke a common language and
attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens. As a punishment for their pride and
rebellion, God confused their language, causing them to scatter across the Earth.
What is the Hindu belief about the origin of language? - Answer-According to Hindu
tradition, language originated from Sarasvati, the wife of Brahma, the creator of the
ALL CORRECT
What is phonology? - Answer-Phonology is the description of the systems and patterns
of speech sounds in a language. It is concerned with the abstract or mental aspect of
the sounds in language rather than with the actual physical articulation of speech
sounds.
What is the purpose of studying phonology? - Answer-Studying phonology helps us
understand the underlying sound patterns of a language, recognize different
pronunciations of the same phoneme, and distinguish meaning in speech sounds. It
provides insights into how languages organize and use sounds.
What is the contrastive property of a phoneme? - Answer-The contrastive property of a
phoneme means that substituting one sound for another in a word changes the
meaning. If there is a change of meaning, then the two sounds represent different
phonemes.
What are some proposed explanations for the origins of language based on divine
sources? - Answer-1. Biblical tradition<br>2. Hindu traditions<br>3. Divine source
experiments<br>4. The Quranic explanation on divine source<br><br>Some proposed
explanations for the origins of language are based on divine sources. These
explanations include references to biblical tradition, Hindu traditions, divine source
experiments, and the Quranic explanation. These perspectives attribute the origins of
language to divine intervention or inspiration.
What is the physical adaptation source theory of language origin? - Answer-The
physical adaptation source theory focuses on the physical features that humans
possess, which may have supported the production of speech. These features include
an upright posture, bipedal locomotion, a revised role for the front limbs, and
streamlined versions of features found in other primates. The characteristics of the
human teeth, lips, mouth, and tongue suggest adaptations for speech production. While
these features alone may not lead to speech production, they indicate that humans
have the capacity for speech.
What are the constituents of a language? - Answer-Sounds, Morphemes, Words,
Phrases, Sentences, Context.<br><br>A language consists of various components
including sounds, morphemes, words, phrases, sentences, and context. These
constituents work together to form meaningful communication.
,What is the bow-wow theory of language origin? - Answer-The bow-wow theory
suggests that primitive words in early language could have been imitations of natural
sounds. Examples of onomatopoeic words that support this theory include splash, bang,
boom, rattle, buzz, and hiss. However, it is unlikely that a language based solely on
echoing natural sounds could account for the wide range of soundless things and
abstract concepts in our world.
What is the yo-he-ho theory of language origin? - Answer-The yo-he-ho theory
proposes that the sounds of physical effort and coordination, such as hums, grunts,
groans, and curses, could have formed the basis of human language. This theory
suggests that early humans living in groups and engaging in physical tasks developed a
set of sounds to communicate and coordinate their actions. However, this theory does
not explain the origins of the sounds produced or why apes and other primates, which
also live in social groups, have not developed speech.
What are the branches of linguistics? - Answer-Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology,
Lexicology, Syntax, Traditional Grammar, Semantics, Pragmatics.<br><br>Linguistics is
a multidisciplinary field that is divided into several branches. These branches include
phonetics and phonology, morphology, lexicology, syntax, traditional grammar,
semantics, and pragmatics. Each branch focuses on a specific aspect of language and
contributes to our understanding of how language is structured and used.
When did the development of language likely occur? - Answer-The development of
language likely occurred between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago. This estimate is
based on the emergence of modern human anatomical features and the appearance of
written language around 5,000 years ago. However, there is no direct evidence or
artifacts relating to the early speech forms, and the earliest writing samples date back to
3500 BC.
What are some speculations on the origins of language? - Answer-1. Natural sound
source<br>2. Social interaction source<br>3. Physical adaptation source<br>4. Tool-
making source<br>5. Genetic source<br><br>The origins of language have been the
subject of speculation and theories. Some of the proposed sources for the origins of
language include natural sound source, social interaction source, physical adaptation
source, tool-making source, and genetic source. These speculations provide different
perspectives on how language may have emerged in human history.
What is phonetics? - Answer-Phonetics is the study of speech sounds, including how
they are produced (articulatory phonetics), their physical properties as sound waves in
the air (acoustic phonetics), and how they are perceived by the ear (auditory phonetics).
What are dental sounds? - Answer-Dental sounds are formed with the tongue tip behind
the upper front teeth. Examples include the initial sound of th in thick and the final sound
of th in bath, represented by the symbol [θ].
, What are labiodental sounds? - Answer-Labiodental sounds are formed with the upper
teeth and the lower lip. Examples include the initial sounds of fat and vat and the final
sounds in safe and save, represented by the symbols [f] and [v].
What is the Eski Uygur Alfabesi? - Answer-The Eski Uygur Alfabesi was used in current
Eastern Turkistan and Mongolia regions from the 7th to 8th century for writing Buddhist,
Manichaean, and Christian religious texts. It was developed from the Soğd alphabet and
used in manuscripts until the 18th century. The alphabet consists of 22 letters, 4 vowels,
and is written from top to bottom.
What is the Göktürk (Orhun) Alfabesi? - Answer-The Göktürk (Orhun) Alfabesi is the
first writing system used by the Turks. It was deciphered by Vilhelm Thomsen in 1893. It
was inspired by the Soğd alphabet and consists of 38 letters, 4 vowels, and 34
consonants. The alphabet has two signs for many consonants and words are written
separately without any punctuation. The script is generally written from right to left with
reversed letters in case of left to right writing.
What are bilabial sounds? - Answer-Bilabial sounds are formed using both the upper
and lower lips. Examples include the initial sounds in pat, bat, and mat, represented by
the symbols [p], [b], and [m]. The [w] sound at the beginning of way, walk, and world is
also a bilabial sound.
What is the place of articulation? - Answer-The place of articulation refers to the location
inside the mouth where the constriction takes place when producing certain sounds.
Different sounds are produced by using the tongue and other parts of the mouth to
constrict the shape of the oral cavity.
What is the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds? - Answer-In articulatory
phonetics, voiced sounds are produced when the vocal folds are brought together,
causing vibration, while voiceless sounds are produced when the vocal folds are spread
apart, allowing air to pass through without vibration.
What is the Tower of Babel story from the Bible? - Answer-The Tower of Babel story
from the Bible tells of a time when all people spoke the same language and decided to
build a tower that would reach the heavens as a symbol of their power and challenge
against God. However, God saw their pride and confusion and decided to confuse their
language, causing them to scatter across the Earth. The tower was left unfinished, and
the people were scattered, resulting in the diversity of languages we have today.
What is the Tower of Babel? - Answer-The Tower of Babel is a story from the book of
Genesis in the Bible that describes how people spoke a common language and
attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens. As a punishment for their pride and
rebellion, God confused their language, causing them to scatter across the Earth.
What is the Hindu belief about the origin of language? - Answer-According to Hindu
tradition, language originated from Sarasvati, the wife of Brahma, the creator of the
