Unlocking the Mystery of Language Vocabulary

How does a language's basic vocabulary differ from its general vocabulary?

A) Basic vocabulary includes words commonly used in everyday communication; general vocabulary includes specialized and technical terms.

B) Basic vocabulary consists of words used in formal contexts; general vocabulary comprises informal and colloquial expressions.

C) Basic vocabulary is limited to nouns and verbs; general vocabulary includes adjectives and adverbs.

D) Basic vocabulary is exclusive to written language; general vocabulary is used in both spoken and written communication.

Final answer:

Basic vocabulary refers to common words used in everyday communication while general vocabulary extends to include specialized and technical terms.

Explanation:

In contrasting basic vocabulary and general vocabulary, the distinguishing factor is the context of usage and the nature of the words. Option A) is correct. Basic vocabulary comprises words that are typically used in everyday communication. These words form the base of a language and are commonly understood by speakers of that language. On the other hand, general vocabulary extends beyond this base to include specialized and technical terms. These terms may pertain to specific disciplines, industries, or fields of study, and may not be universally understood without specific knowledge.

Using both forms of vocabulary, speakers of a language can express a variety of ideas and concepts in diverse contexts, navigating both casual and technical communications. For example, the basic vocabulary terms 'water', 'drink', 'eat', 'happy', 'run', help us express our everyday thoughts and actions. In contrast, general vocabulary might include terms like 'photosynthesis', 'algorithm', or 'syntax', which are specialized terms used in science, technology, and grammar respectively.