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Difficulty: MediumCross-Text Connections: Relational Synthesis

Text 1
Glottochronology, pioneered by Morris Swadesh, estimates when related languages diverged by measuring changes in their core vocabulary. The method assumes a constant rate of lexical retention—a 'lexical half-life' analogous to radioactive decay. Swadesh posited that basic vocabulary is highly resistant to cultural contact and changes at a uniform rate across all languages, allowing researchers to calculate precise dates for prehistoric linguistic splits.

Text 2
Linguist Sarah Thomason challenges the validity of glottochronology, arguing that the assumption of a uniform rate of lexical decay is untenable. Because languages do not exist in a vacuum, intense social contact, bilingualism, and prestige dynamics can drastically accelerate lexical replacement. Conversely, geographic or social isolation can preserve vocabulary far longer than predicted. Thus, rate variations make core vocabulary an unreliable chronological clock.

Based on the passages, the author of Text 2 would agree with the claim in Text 1 that core vocabulary is largely unaffected by contact with other cultures.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. The author of Text 2 would disagree with the claim in Text 1 because Text 2 argues that contact with other cultures (such as bilingualism and social contact) can drastically accelerate vocabulary change.
The statement is false because the author of Text 2 explicitly argues that factors like intense social contact and bilingualism can drastically accelerate lexical replacement, directly contradicting Text 1's claim that core vocabulary is highly resistant to cultural contact.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the claim in Text 1 regarding the relationship between core vocabulary and cultural contact.
Text 1 claims that basic vocabulary is highly resistant to cultural contact.
This establishes the point of comparison from Text 1.
2
Analyze Text 2 to find the author's perspective on how contact with other cultures affects vocabulary change.
Text 2 argues that intense social contact and bilingualism can drastically accelerate lexical replacement.
This reveals the opposing viewpoint of the author of Text 2.
3
Synthesize the two viewpoints to determine if the author of Text 2 would agree with Text 1's claim.
Because Text 2 asserts that cultural/social contact accelerates change, the author would disagree with the claim that vocabulary is unaffected by such contact. Thus, the statement is false.
This determines the final truth value.

Key Concept

Synthesizing relational perspectives between two texts on a shared topic.
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Topics

Cross-Text Connections: Relational Synthesis

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