Question

Efficiency and redundancy are contradictory characteristics of linguistic systems; however, they can be used together to achieve usefulness and reliability in communication. If a spoken language is completely efficient, then every possible permutation of its basic language sounds can be an understandable word. However, if the human auditory system is an imperfect receptor of sounds, then it is not true that every possible permutation of a spoken language's basic tanguage sounds can be an understandable word. If all of the statements above are true, which one of the following must also be true? (A) Efficiency causes a spoken language to be useful and redundancy causes it to be reliable. (B) Neither efficiency nor redundancy can be completely achieved in spoken language. (C) If a spoken language were completely redundant, then it could not be useful. (D) If the human auditory system were a perfect receptor of sounds, then every permutation of language sounds would be an understandable word. (E) If the human auditory system is an imperfect receptor of sounds, then a spoken language cannot be completely efficient.

Short answer

(E) If the human auditory system is imperfect, a spoken language cannot be completely efficient.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Premises

We are given that efficiency and redundancy can help achieve usefulness and reliability. However, efficiency involves every sound permutation being a possible word, but if the auditory system is imperfect, not all permutations can be understood.

Identify Logical Inferences

From the information, one inference is that if the auditory system is imperfect, then total efficiency (all permutations being understandable) cannot be achieved. Also, efficiency and redundancy cannot both be maximized as they are contradictory.

Analyze the Options

We'll evaluate each given statement based on our inferences: (A) suggests causality not supported by the passage; (B) directly follows from the nature of efficiency and redundancy; (C) is unsupported, as redundancy can coexist with usefulness; (D) incorrectly claims all permutations are understandable with perfect receptors; (E) states the impossibility of complete efficiency with imperfect receptors.

Select the Correct Answer

The conclusion that can be derived from the premises is option (E): If the human auditory system is imperfect, then a spoken language cannot be completely efficient, matching the given information that not all sound permutations would be understandable.

Key concepts

Language Efficiency

Language efficiency refers to the ability of a language to convey messages with the least amount of sound or words possible, ensuring clarity without unnecessary repetition.

Efficient communication strives to use just the right amount of words or sounds needed to express an idea accurately.

• This means that every possible combination of sounds in a language should form a meaningful and understandable word, maximizing the economy of language.
• Efficiency eliminates redundancy, which reduces unnecessary repetition, but it can also limit clarity if not all participants understand every efficiently spoken word.

The concept of efficiency is esteemed in many linguistic theories, promoting smooth and precise interpersonal exchange. However, achieving pure efficiency is rare because it requires a perfect understanding by both the speaker and the listener.

Auditory System

The human auditory system is responsible for receiving and processing the sounds we hear. It is crucial in understanding speech, yet it has its limitations.

Our ears pick up sound waves, but this system does not always perfectly interpret every permutation of sound.

• It's possible for sounds to be misheard or misunderstood, leading to communication barriers.
• Background noise, variations in pronunciation, and accents can interfere with how sounds are perceived.

These imperfections mean that even if language can be crafted to be highly efficient, the auditory system might still introduce errors or misunderstandings in communication. As a result, redundancy in language becomes beneficial to ensuring messages are understood correctly.

Redundancy in Language

Redundancy in language refers to the intentional or unintentional repetition of information to enhance comprehension. While it may seem inefficient due to repetition, redundancy serves an essential role in ensuring the reliability of communication.

Redundancy helps compensate for the limitations of the auditory system by providing multiple cues for interpreting sounds.

• It builds in extra "hints" or signals that help the listener process and understand the messages, especially in noisy environments or when dealing with complex information.
• Redundancy ensures that even if parts of a message are lost or obscured, the overall meaning can still be comprehended.

Thus, redundancy supports effective communication by increasing the likelihood that the message will be understood, even in less-than-ideal listening conditions.

Logical Inferences

Logical inferences are conclusions drawn based on the premises or information provided. In LSAT Logical Reasoning, making accurate inferences is crucial for selecting the right answers in problem-solving exercises.

From the original exercise, a critical inference is that if our auditory system is imperfect, a fully efficient spoken language is impractical.

• The insight here is that complete efficiency, where every sound permutation is a word, cannot occur if our perception of sound is flawed.
• Another logical inference is that true optimization of either efficiency or redundancy in language is unattainable, as they contradict one another in total form.

Logical reasoning skills involve analyzing statements, identifying assumptions, and understanding the implications of given information. This practice hones the ability to see through complexities and arrive at sound, informed conclusions.