Explain the concept of language divergence.

Language Families And Linguistic Diversity Questions



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Explain the concept of language divergence.

Language divergence refers to the process by which a single language gradually splits into multiple distinct languages over time. This occurs when a group of speakers of a particular language becomes geographically or socially isolated from one another, leading to differences in their speech patterns, vocabulary, and grammar. As these differences accumulate and become more pronounced, the once-unified language evolves into separate languages that are no longer mutually intelligible. Language divergence is a natural and ongoing process that contributes to the linguistic diversity observed in the world today.