Question

Which of these is a historical approach to language?

• A. Synchronic
• B. Comparative
• C. Diachronic
• D. Philosophical

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Diachronic

"Diachronic" means relating to the development or evolution of something over time, so in the context of language, it refers to studying how a language changes throughout history. 

• Synchronic:

  This refers to the study of a language at a single point in time, without considering its historical development. 

• Comparative:

  This approach involves comparing different languages to identify similarities and differences in their structure and features, but it doesn't necessarily focus on historical change. 

• Philosophical:

  This approach might analyze the nature of language or its relationship to thought, but it usually doesn't focus on historical changes in language.