Which of the following would be an acceptable research topic in the field of historical linguistics?
A)whether or not the speakers of Apache and Navajo once spoke a common language.
B)whether or not Apache and Navajo speakers use the same body language to signal gender differences
C)whether or not Apache and Navajo speakers organize their languages using the same syntactical structures
D)all the features of a given language as it is spoken at a particular point in time
E)frame substitution to investigate the syntax of a particular language

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A research topic in historical linguistics should focus on the evolution, history, and relationship between different languages or language families. Choice A fits this criteria by investigating the possibility of common ancestry between Apache and Navajo languages. B, C, and E are more suited for areas such as sociolinguistics or syntax and do not specifically pertain to historical linguistics. Choice D is too broad and lacks a specific focus on the evolution or history of a language.

Which of the Following Would Be an Acceptable Research Topic