4. a) Decide whether the statements are true or false.
a) In the past, languages never disappeared.
b) The speed at which language death is happening nowadays is very unusual and surprising.
c) Giving your children the ability to speak a native language that you received from your parents is the best way to stop language death.
d) Nowadays some languages are more powerful and successful than others for economic and political reasons.
e) A situation in which many different languages exist is not good for all people.
f) Humans keep their knowledge about the world with the help of language.
g) If you speak more than one language freely, you have more economic and social benefits.
Ответы
a) False. In the past, languages have indeed disappeared for various reasons such as cultural shifts, migrations, and conquests.
b) True. The speed at which language death is happening in contemporary times is indeed considered unusual and surprising due to factors like globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of major world languages.
c) True. Preserving and passing on native languages to future generations is often seen as an effective way to prevent language death.
d) True. Economic and political factors can contribute to the dominance and success of certain languages over others.
e) False. The idea that a situation with many different languages is not good for all people is subjective. Linguistic diversity can be valuable for cultural richness and diversity.
f) True. Language is a crucial tool for humans to convey and preserve knowledge about the world.
g) True. Speaking more than one language can provide individuals with economic and social benefits, including increased job opportunities, cultural understanding, and communication in diverse settings.