In our definition of language, the term conventional means:
A) Language change is inevitable
B) Language structure is based on the spoken, not written, form
C) Language is governed by a set of complex, grammatical rules
D) Even though there is no one-to-one correlation between sound and meaning, speakers of a language implicitly agree to use the same words to refer to the same concepts
E) Even though linguistic rules are random, linguists are still able to diagram sentences to show grammaticality

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term conventional in our definition of language refers to the fact that even though there is no one-to-one correlation between sound and meaning, speakers of a language implicitly agree to use the same words to refer to the same concepts. This agreement on the meaning of words and the rules of language use is what makes language conventional. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

In Our Definition of Language, the Term Conventional Means