The following text discusses linguistics.
Language death occurs when a language has no remaining native speakers. Linguists estimate that of the approximately 7,000 languages spoken today, nearly half may disappear by the end of this century. When a language dies, unique knowledge systems, oral traditions, and cultural perspectives often die with it. Documentation efforts try to preserve endangered languages, but linguists emphasize that living speakers within active communities are irreplaceable for true language vitality. Recorded archives cannot substitute for intergenerational transmission.
What does the text emphasize about language preservation?
Recordings can fully replace living speaker communities
Living speaker communities are essential for genuine language vitality
All endangered languages will inevitably disappear
Language death has no cultural consequences
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text states "living speakers within active communities are irreplaceable for true language vitality" and that "recorded archives cannot substitute for intergenerational transmission."
- Evidence: Living speakers are irreplaceable; recordings cannot substitute.
- Reasoning: True vitality requires active speaker communities.
- Conclusion: Living communities are essential, not just records.
Choice A is incorrect because the text says the opposite. Choice C is incorrect because documentation efforts exist and half may survive. Choice D is incorrect because "unique knowledge systems, oral traditions, and cultural perspectives" are lost.