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(LAN) Which of the following is not true of language as a hierarchy?

A. Language as a hierarchy consists of phrase trees
B. Given any sentence it can be broken down into phrases, words, to morphemes and then phonemes.
C. There are many levels of abstraction in language that our brain is representing at the same time.
D. I have an idea in my head, I make the air vibrate and now that idea is in your head.

User Oxwilder
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In language hierarchy, phrases can be broken down into smaller units but the idea that language directly transmits thoughts like vibrations is inaccurate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering language as a hierarchy, it's important to address the structure and how it operates on multiple levels, from phonemes to phrases and beyond. Element A references a characteristic of language known as phrase trees, which is a valid representation of how sentences can be broken down hierarchically. B notes the breakdown of language from phrases to words, then to morphemes, and finally phonemes, detailing the structural decomposition in language analysis. C recognizes the simultaneous representation of different levels of abstraction in language, which is supported by evidence in psychological and linguistic studies. However, D, which suggests a telepathic-like transmission of ideas, is not accurate in terms of the language hierarchy. Although language is a powerful tool for communicating ideas, it is not as direct as making “the air vibrate” to transfer ideas; instead, meaning is constructed through language via the listener's interpretation.

User Lahiru Mirihagoda
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