1) What is language and which languages are most widespread?
There are several different definitions for language. In class, we compared the definition from the textbook and the one from Wikipedia, coming to the conclusion that the latter was a better description. That is: "Language is the human ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication, and a language is any specific example of such a system." However, this implies that animals do not have any form of language, yet this is proven wrong by Koko the gorilla, who can communicate with American Sign Language and understand over 2,000 English words. Thus, perhaps eliminating the word "human" would make it a better fit. While Chinese and Hindi are more spoken as mother language in terms of numbers compared to English, English in itself is much more widespread throughout every continent. English is the language of commerce (trade), science, and political activity. It has a much larger impact than both Chinese and Hindi do.
There are several different definitions for language. In class, we compared the definition from the textbook and the one from Wikipedia, coming to the conclusion that the latter was a better description. That is: "Language is the human ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication, and a language is any specific example of such a system." However, this implies that animals do not have any form of language, yet this is proven wrong by Koko the gorilla, who can communicate with American Sign Language and understand over 2,000 English words. Thus, perhaps eliminating the word "human" would make it a better fit. While Chinese and Hindi are more spoken as mother language in terms of numbers compared to English, English in itself is much more widespread throughout every continent. English is the language of commerce (trade), science, and political activity. It has a much larger impact than both Chinese and Hindi do.
2) Why are some languages very similar while others are very different?
This is largely due to geography and human movement as a result of geography as well as interactions between different groups of people. Countries spoken in Europe, Africa, Middle-East, and South China share resemblance in many ways. This is because of the increase in activities between this area. Europe itself has shared a kingdom many times before and trade was very active between each other, although often in different sectors with the Northern Europeans, the English and, Germanic tribes as one and the Southern half as another. Nevertheless, interaction between these groups are much more prevalent than their interaction with places on the East Coast of Asia. China, being a very isolated state throughout its history, has had little influence from the outside. In addition, their culture has largely seen themselves as superior and rejected the Caucasians and their language to adopt. South-East China has been largely influenced by China itself. North America and South America spoke similarly with the Europeans due to the colonialism.
This is largely due to geography and human movement as a result of geography as well as interactions between different groups of people. Countries spoken in Europe, Africa, Middle-East, and South China share resemblance in many ways. This is because of the increase in activities between this area. Europe itself has shared a kingdom many times before and trade was very active between each other, although often in different sectors with the Northern Europeans, the English and, Germanic tribes as one and the Southern half as another. Nevertheless, interaction between these groups are much more prevalent than their interaction with places on the East Coast of Asia. China, being a very isolated state throughout its history, has had little influence from the outside. In addition, their culture has largely seen themselves as superior and rejected the Caucasians and their language to adopt. South-East China has been largely influenced by China itself. North America and South America spoke similarly with the Europeans due to the colonialism.
3) How did English develop and spread around the world?
English is currently the most widespread language in the world and it is this way largely due to one reason: colonies. Nevertheless, first we must explore how English developed. English is a Germanic language and it was first developed by the invading Anglo-Saxons who ended up inhabiting the area as well as giving England its name. Then came the Romans who also gave different words to them, although, speaking Latin, the majority were ignored int he future. William the Conqueror of Normandy came in 1066 and took over Britain, adding French to the language, and making the majority of the more high-class or elite words connected to French. Shakespeare himself also invented many words with his plays and other writings. English then spread throughout the world into North America, Africa, and South Asia though colonialism. This is largely where it begins to spread. English dominance of the sea allowed it to spread all around the world and at one point, even control 1/6th of the world's territories. This massive campaign spread the language of English to other places as English culture spread along with it.
English is currently the most widespread language in the world and it is this way largely due to one reason: colonies. Nevertheless, first we must explore how English developed. English is a Germanic language and it was first developed by the invading Anglo-Saxons who ended up inhabiting the area as well as giving England its name. Then came the Romans who also gave different words to them, although, speaking Latin, the majority were ignored int he future. William the Conqueror of Normandy came in 1066 and took over Britain, adding French to the language, and making the majority of the more high-class or elite words connected to French. Shakespeare himself also invented many words with his plays and other writings. English then spread throughout the world into North America, Africa, and South Asia though colonialism. This is largely where it begins to spread. English dominance of the sea allowed it to spread all around the world and at one point, even control 1/6th of the world's territories. This massive campaign spread the language of English to other places as English culture spread along with it.