The problems posed by linguistics can make you notice really cool things about language. You’ve probably asked yourself these questions without even realizing that they’re linguistic questions.
Why is learning a second language so difficult?
Why do French and English have so many words in common?
Why do dialects exist?
Why can’t all the sentences of a language be listed?
Why doesn’t everyone speak the same language?
Why is it possible to translate from one language to another?
Why do some conversations get off-track?
Why is it harder to understand someone when you talk on the phone?
Why isn’t sign language just a matter of making pictures with your hands?
Why are some speech sounds more difficult to produce and perceive than others?
