Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What defines a language family?

1. A collection of dialects within a single language

2. A group of related languages derived from a common ancestor

3. A set of languages that are spoken in a specific geographic area

4. A classification based on script and writing systems

The correct answer is: A group of related languages derived from a common ancestor

A language family is defined as a group of related languages that have evolved from a common ancestral language. This concept emphasizes the historical and linguistic connections between different languages, showcasing how they have diverged over time from a shared origin. For example, the Indo-European language family includes many languages such as Spanish, French, German, and Hindi, all of which can be traced back to a common proto-language. The other options focus on different aspects of language. A collection of dialects pertains to variations within a single language, not to the broader relationships across different languages. A set of languages spoken in a specific geographic area refers more to regional language distribution rather than linguistic ancestry. A classification based on script and writing systems addresses how languages are written, which does not necessarily reflect their historical connections or origins. Therefore, the defining feature of a language family is its basis in linguistic ancestry, making the second option the correct choice.