Understanding Language Evolution
Listen to the following lecture about the evolution of language:
Professor: Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to delve into the evolution of human language, exploring how it has changed over time. Language is a dynamic entity that reflects cultural shifts and social interactions. For instance, linguistic studies suggest that many modern languages share roots from ancient tongues, evolving phonetics and vocabulary in response to technological advancements and globalization. One key example is the influence of the internet, which has introduced new slang and acronyms into everyday communication. Additionally, as we embrace multiculturalism, languages such as English have adopted words from many other languages, enriching its lexicon. Today, we will examine specific case studies, such as the impact of social media on language trends and the resurgence of interest in endangered languages.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.