Question

which of the following norms is so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and unmentionable and is punishable by the group or even, according to certain belief systems, by a supernatural force?

a folkway
a law
a sanction
a taboo

which of the following statements best reflects the sapir - whorf hypothesis?

the meanings of the symbols used in a language are universal.
humans are innately predisposed to language acquisition.
there is a critical period for learning a first language.
language shapes the view of reality of its speakers.

Explanation:

• First question:
• A folkway is a casual norm, not extremely strong.
• A law is a formal rule, but not the one described here.
• A sanction is a form of punishment, not a norm type.
• A taboo is a very strong norm, violation is offensive and may be punished by supernatural forces in some beliefs.
• Second question:
• The Sapir - Whorf hypothesis emphasizes that language influences thought and perception, i.e., language shapes the view of reality of its speakers.
• Option a about universal symbol meanings is not related to the hypothesis.
• Option b (innate language acquisition) is related to Chomsky's theory.
• Option c (critical period) is about language learning timing, not the Sapir - Whorf idea.

Answer:

1. d. A taboo
2. d. Language shapes the view of reality of its speakers.