Linguists focus much of their study of language on two elements: _____,which is concerned with the infinite number of utterances that are possible,and _____,which centers on the systematic nature of these utterances.
A) volume;cadence
B) replication;uniformity
C) productivity;regularity
D) selectivity;routinization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Productivity refers to the ability of language to generate an infinite number of new and meaningful utterances. Regularity refers to the systematic nature of language in terms of its rules and patterns. Together, these elements are important for linguists to understand how language works and how it is used in communication. Option A (volume and cadence) are not the correct terms for the two elements being asked about, and option B (replication and uniformity) is not accurate in terms of describing the nature of language. Option D (selectivity and routinization) does not accurately describe the elements being discussed in relation to language study.

Linguists Focus Much of Their Study of Language on Two