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Karbi language Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Karbi Language: Linguistics, Distribution, and Documentation

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The Karbi Language: Linguistics, Distribution, and Documentation Study Guide

Karbi Identity, Distribution, and Demographics

The Karbi language, alternatively designated as Arleng, is predominantly spoken in the southern regions of India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided source material indicates that the Karbi language is primarily spoken in the northeastern Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, not solely in southern India.

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According to the 2011 census data, the number of native Karbi speakers surpassed one million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census data indicates that the number of native Karbi speakers recorded was 528,503, which is less than one million.

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The Karbi language is spoken within the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya is identified as one of the geographical areas where the Karbi language is spoken.

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An estimated 1,500 Karbi speakers reside in Bangladesh.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demographic estimates indicate that approximately 1,500 individuals who speak the Karbi language reside in Bangladesh.

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The Karbi people are also referred to by the ethnonym 'Mikir'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karbi people are indeed also known by the alternative name 'Mikir'.

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The Karbi language is spoken within the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh is identified as one of the regions where the Karbi language is spoken.

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Which of the following designations serves as an alternative name for the Karbi language?

Answer: Arleng

Explanation: Arleng is an alternative name for the Karbi language, as well as an alternative name for the Karbi people.

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According to the 2011 census, what was the recorded number of native speakers of the Karbi language?

Answer: 528,503

Explanation: The 2011 census data indicates that 528,503 native speakers of the Karbi language were recorded.

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Which of the following is not listed as a state in Northeast India where the Karbi language is spoken?

Answer: Manipur

Explanation: While Karbi is spoken in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur is not listed as a primary state of distribution for the language.

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By which other name, mentioned in the text, are the Karbi people also known?

Answer: Mikir

Explanation: The Karbi people are also referred to by the name 'Mikir'.

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Linguistic Heritage and Classification

The Karbi language is classified as belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family, specifically within the Tibeto-Burman branch.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic classification places Karbi within the Sino-Tibetan family, under the Tibeto-Burman branch, aligning with its genetic origins.

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The Karbi language originally possessed its own unique indigenous written script prior to the influence of European contact.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that the Karbi language did not possess an indigenous written script prior to European influence; its written form was developed later, primarily utilizing the Roman script.

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Christian missionaries played an instrumental role in the production of the earliest documented written materials for the Karbi language.

Answer: True

Explanation: The earliest written materials for the Karbi language were indeed produced through the efforts of Christian missionaries, who were pivotal in its initial documentation and standardization.

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The publication by Rev. R.E. Neighbor in 1878 is recognized as the inaugural Karbi dictionary.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rev. R.E. Neighbor's 1878 work, titled 'Vocabulary of English and Mikir, with Illustrative Sentences,' is acknowledged as the first dictionary compiled for the Karbi language.

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The 'Mosera' constitutes a significant Karbi folk narrative that delineates the historical migration patterns and origin experiences of the Karbi people.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Mosera' is indeed a Karbi folk narrative that serves to recount the historical migrations and origin narratives of the Karbi community.

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Linguists such as Shafer and Bradley consistently classified Karbi as belonging to the Kuki-Chin language group.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Shafer and Bradley proposed classifying Karbi within the Kuki-Chin languages as an aberrant branch, this classification is not universally consistent or accepted among all linguists.

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To which major language family does the Karbi language belong?

Answer: Sino-Tibetan

Explanation: Karbi is linguistically classified as belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family.

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Regarding its writing system, what was the original status of the Karbi language?

Answer: It did not originally possess its own indigenous written script.

Explanation: The Karbi language did not originally possess its own indigenous written script; its written form was developed later, primarily utilizing the Roman script.

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Which group played a crucial role in the production of the earliest written texts for the Karbi language?

Answer: Christian missionaries

Explanation: Christian missionaries were instrumental in producing the earliest written materials for the Karbi language, contributing significantly to its documentation.

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What significant publication, authored by Rev. R.E. Neighbor, is cited as the first Karbi dictionary?

Answer: Vocabulary of English and Mikir, with Illustrative Sentences

Explanation: Rev. R.E. Neighbor's 1878 publication, 'Vocabulary of English and Mikir, with Illustrative Sentences,' is recognized as the first Karbi dictionary.

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How did linguists such as Shafer and Bradley classify the Mikir languages, including Karbi?

Answer: As an aberrant Kuki-Chin branch.

Explanation: Linguists Shafer and Bradley proposed classifying the Mikir languages, including Karbi, as an aberrant branch within the Kuki-Chin language group.

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The newspaper 'Birta,' published in Karbi in 1903, was produced by whom?

Answer: Christian missionaries

Explanation: The newspaper 'Birta,' published in Karbi in 1903, was produced by Christian missionaries.

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Phonetics and Phonology

The Karbi language phonemic inventory includes voiced stop consonants, such as /b/, /d/, and /ʒ~j/, which occur word-initially.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial position of Karbi words can feature voiced stop consonants, including /b/, /d/, and /ʒ~j/, as part of its phonological system.

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In Karbi, stop consonants such as /p/, /t/, and /k/ are permissible word-finally, whereas voiced stops are not.

Answer: True

Explanation: The phonotactic constraints of Karbi permit voiceless stop consonants (/p/, /t/, /k/) in word-final positions, but exclude voiced stops.

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The Karbi vowel system is comprised solely of three fundamental vowels: /a/, /i/, and /u/.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karbi vowel system is more complex than just /a/, /i/, and /u/; it also includes high vowels /i/ and /u/, close-mid vowels /e/ and /o/, and the low vowel /a/, along with diphthongs.

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Karbi syllables are exclusively open, necessitating an ending in a vowel sound.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karbi syllables are not exclusively open; they can also be closed, following a (C)(C)VC structure, indicating the possibility of ending in a consonant sound.

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The Karbi language exhibits three distinct tonal registers: low, mid, and high.

Answer: True

Explanation: Karbi is a tonal language that features three distinct pairs of tones, commonly described as low, mid, and high, which are phonemically significant.

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The Karbi language utilizes a system of consonant clusters at the coda position of syllables, exemplified by structures like /nt/.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided phonological information indicates that consonant clusters are permitted at the onset of Karbi syllables, but not typically at the coda (end) of syllables.

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Which of the following is not listed as a voiced stop consonant occurring word-initially in Karbi?

Answer: /g/

Explanation: The voiced stop consonants listed for initial positions in Karbi are /b/, /d/, and /ʒ~j/. The consonant /g/ is not among them.

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Which category of stop consonants is permitted word-finally in Karbi?

Answer: Only voiceless stops /p/, /t/, /k/

Explanation: Word-final stop consonants in Karbi are restricted to the voiceless series: /p/, /t/, and /k/.

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Which of the following is identified as a basic vowel within the Karbi language's phonemic inventory?

Answer: /a/

Explanation: The vowel /a/ is listed as a basic vowel in the Karbi language, alongside other high and close-mid vowels.

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What is the typical phonotactic structure of a closed syllable in Karbi?

Answer: (C)(C)VC

Explanation: A closed syllable in Karbi typically follows the structure (C)(C)VC, allowing for optional consonant clusters at the onset and a single consonant at the coda.

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How many distinct tonal registers are featured in the Karbi language?

Answer: Three pairs (Low, Mid, High)

Explanation: The Karbi language is characterized by three pairs of tones, commonly described as low, mid, and high registers.

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Morphosyntax and Grammatical Structure

Karbi morphology, especially concerning its verbal system, is characterized as primarily isolating, with a strong reliance on word order for grammatical function.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karbi morphology, particularly its predicate structure, is characterized as highly synthetic and agglutinating, rather than primarily isolating. It relies on affixation more than word order.

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Karbi pronouns differentiate between a first-person inclusive form (referring to the speaker and listener(s)) and a first-person exclusive form (referring to the speaker and others, excluding the listener(s)).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karbi pronoun system explicitly distinguishes between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural forms, a common feature in many languages.

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The Karbi verb complex is capable of incorporating markers for grammatical categories such as negation, aspect, and the formation of subordinate clauses.

Answer: True

Explanation: The structure of the Karbi verb complex allows for the integration of various grammatical markers, including those for negation, aspect, and subordinate clause functions.

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In Karbi noun phrases, demonstratives and possessors are characteristically positioned in the final slots, following the head noun.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, demonstratives and possessors in Karbi noun phrases are typically located in the initial positions, preceding the head noun.

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The Karbi suffix '-phān' is primarily employed to denote the subject of a clause.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-phān' in Karbi does not mark the subject; rather, it is used to indicate non-subject noun phrases, specifically those functioning as objects or recipients within a clause.

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The Karbi suffix '-lōṅ' exclusively denotes a literal geographical location.

Answer: False

Explanation: The suffix '-lōṅ' in Karbi indicates a locative role, which can encompass literal geographical locations but also broader spatial relationships and oblique arguments.

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Karbi employs clausal chaining, utilizing suffixes such as '-si' (non-final, realis mood) and '-ra' (non-final, irrealis mood) for clause linkage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Clausal chaining is a feature of Karbi grammar, where suffixes like '-si' and '-ra' are used to connect clauses, indicating their mood and non-final status.

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Karbi's grammatical typology, particularly its predicate morphology, is best characterized as:

Answer: Agglutinating and synthetic

Explanation: Karbi's grammatical typology, especially its predicate morphology, is described as highly synthetic and agglutinating, indicating extensive affixation to word roots.

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What specific distinction is made within the first-person pronoun system in Karbi?

Answer: Inclusive vs. Exclusive

Explanation: The Karbi first-person pronoun system makes a crucial distinction between inclusive ('we' including the listener) and exclusive ('we' excluding the listener) forms.

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Which of the following represents an example of a marker that can be incorporated into the Karbi verb complex?

Answer: Causative marker (CAUS)

Explanation: The causative marker (CAUS) is cited as an example of a morpheme that can be part of the complex structure of a Karbi verb.

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Within Karbi noun phrases, where are demonstratives and possessors characteristically situated?

Answer: In the initial slots, before other modifiers.

Explanation: Demonstratives and possessors in Karbi noun phrases are typically found in the initial slots, preceding other modifiers and the head noun.

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What grammatical role is typically marked by the Karbi suffix '-phān'?

Answer: A non-subject role (Object or Recipient).

Explanation: The suffix '-phān' in Karbi is employed to mark non-subject noun phrases, specifically those functioning as objects or recipients within the clause.

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What primary grammatical function does the suffix '-lōṅ' serve in Karbi?

Answer: Indicates a locative role.

Explanation: The suffix '-lōṅ' in Karbi primarily functions to indicate a locative role, encompassing spatial relationships and locations.

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In Karbi clausal chaining, which suffix is employed to signify a non-final clause in the irrealis mood?

Answer: -ra

Explanation: The suffix '-ra' is utilized in Karbi clausal chaining to denote a non-final clause within the irrealis mood.

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According to the provided text, what is the primary characteristic of Karbi predicate morphology?

Answer: It is highly synthetic and agglutinating.

Explanation: The primary characteristic of Karbi predicate morphology, as described in the text, is its highly synthetic and agglutinating nature.

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Dialectology and Linguistic Resources

The Karbi language exhibits notable dialectal diversity, with certain linguists positing that Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi) may be considered a distinct language rather than merely a dialect.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic analysis suggests significant dialectal variation within Karbi, with Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi) being identified as sufficiently distinct by some scholars to warrant classification as a separate language.

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The ISO 639-3 code 'ajz' is specifically associated with the Plains Karbi dialect.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ISO 639-3 code 'ajz' is specifically assigned to Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi), not to the Karbi language in its entirety, which is typically represented by 'mjw'.

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According to Konnerth (2014), the 'Hills Karbi' variation is spoken in the Kamrup and Morigaon districts of Assam.

Answer: False

Explanation: Konnerth (2014) identifies 'Plains Karbi' (also known as Dumra Karbi) as the variation spoken in the Kamrup and Morigaon districts of Assam, whereas 'Hills Karbi' is associated with Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.

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The Karbi language has never been cataloged in international linguistic databases such as Glottolog.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karbi language has indeed been cataloged in international linguistic databases, including Glottolog, which assigns it the identifier 'karb1240'.

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The Karbi language is listed and possesses a dedicated page on the Endangered Languages Project (ELP).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Endangered Languages Project (ELP) includes the Karbi language, providing a dedicated page with resources and information regarding its status.

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Which dialect of Karbi is noted for its distinctiveness, leading some linguists to consider it a separate language?

Answer: Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi)

Explanation: Plains Karbi, also known as Amri Karbi, is identified as a dialect exhibiting sufficient distinctiveness that it is sometimes considered a separate language.

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What is the specific ISO 639-3 code assigned to the Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi) dialect?

Answer: ajz

Explanation: The ISO 639-3 code specifically designated for the Plains Karbi (Amri Karbi) dialect is 'ajz'.

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According to Konnerth (2014), which Karbi variation is spoken in the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts?

Answer: Hills Karbi

Explanation: Konnerth (2014) identifies 'Hills Karbi' as the variation spoken in the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.

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In which district of Meghalaya is the Plains Karbi (Dumra Karbi) variation of the language spoken?

Answer: Ri-Bhoi

Explanation: The Plains Karbi (Dumra Karbi) variation is spoken in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

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What does the Glottolog identifier 'karb1240' signify concerning the Karbi language?

Answer: It is the language's unique code in the Glottolog database.

Explanation: The Glottolog identifier 'karb1240' is the unique code assigned to the Karbi language within the Glottolog database, facilitating its cataloging and research.

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Which digital archive is mentioned as a resource for the documentation of the Karbi language?

Answer: CoRSAL (Computational Resource for South Asian Languages)

Explanation: The Computational Resource for South Asian Languages (CoRSAL) archive is mentioned as a resource for Karbi language documentation.

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