Geography · Social Science

Asian Language Families

1,615 Questions

Asian Language Families covers the classification, distribution, and linguistic groups across Asia, including Tibeto-Burman, Austroasiatic, and tribal dialects. It tests understanding of regional demographics and cultural heritage. This topic frequently appears in UPSC Civil Services and State PSC general studies papers.

Tibeto Burman LanguagesAustroasiatic Language GroupTribal Languages of IndiaLinguistic Demographics of Asia

Asian Language Families Questions

Multiple choice general knowledge history

Name the Indian language in which early Buddist literature was written & which still survives in Burma & Thailand

  1. Thai

  2. Pali

  3. Sanskrit

  4. Tamil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Pali was the language of early Buddhist literature and continues to be studied in Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand. It is a Middle Indo-Aryan language in which the Buddha's teachings were first written down as the Pali Canon. Many Buddhist scriptures in these countries are still in Pali. Sanskrit and Tamil are ancient Indian languages but not the primary language of early Buddhist texts.

Multiple choice general knowledge sports

The word "Malaysia" comes from which word?

  1. Malas

  2. Mal+Asia

  3. Magalaya

  4. Malaiyur(melayur)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The name 'Malaysia' derives from 'Malay' or 'Malaya' (Sanskrit/Tamil origins referring to hill country), with the Latin 'Asia' added. The Tamil/Sanskrit term 'Malaiyur' or 'Melayur' (mountainous region) is the accepted etymological root.

Multiple choice

The aboriginal population of the Andaman Island belongs to which one of the following racial categories?

  1. Negroids

  2. Negrito

  3. Palaeo-Australoids

  4. Negrillos
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa, and Sentinelese, are classified as Negrito. This racial category is characterized by short stature, dark skin with tightly curled hair, and is believed to represent one of the earliest human migrations out of Africa. Negrito is distinct from Negroids (African racial classification) and other categories listed.

Multiple choice

What was the old name of Myanmar?

  1. Burma

  2. Siam

  3. Malaya

  4. Bumna
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Myanmar was officially known as Burma until 1989 when the military government changed the country's name. Siam is the old name of Thailand, while Malaya refers to the former federation that became part of Malaysia.

Multiple choice

In which language did Budha preach?

  1. Nepali

  2. Awadhi

  3. Pali

  4. Maithili
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Buddha preached his teachings in Pali, which was a Middle Indo-Aryan language. Pali is the language of the Tipitaka, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.

Multiple choice geography world of diversities elements of weather and climate :rainfall and air pressure diversified world environmental regions (zones)

The language spoken by Bonda tribals is unique. It is called ________.

  1. Remo

  2. Demo

  3. Semo

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Bonda are tribal group of people lives in Malkangiri district of Orissa. The language spoken by Bonda tribes is unique. It is called Remo. It is a unwritten language. This language is from Austroasiatic language family of Munda branch.

Multiple choice history tribals, dikus and the vision of a golden age indigo rebellion struggles storms jungles the revolts of peasants and the tribals

The language spoken by Khonds is _______.

  1. Kui

  2. Amri

  3. Mizo

  4. Garo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Khonds are a Dravidian-speaking tribal people of India. The language spoken by them is Kui language which is a Dravidian language written with Odia script. They are a designated Scheduled Tribe in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal

Multiple choice

How do we say “Hello” in Burmese?

  1. Pargalamin

  2. Chit tel

  3. Salamat

  4. Mingalabar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mingalabar is the formal and most common way to say hello in Burmese. Chit tel means 'I love you' in Burmese, while Salamat is 'thank you' or 'hello' in Tagalog.

Multiple choice

Bangladesh

  1. Bangladeshian

  2. Bangladese

  3. Bangladese

  4. Bangladeshi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The demonym for a person or thing from Bangladesh is 'Bangladeshi'.

Multiple choice

Which language family is the third most widely spoken in India?

  1. Austroasiatic

  2. Sino-Tibetan

  3. Afro-Asiatic

  4. Tai-Kadai
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Austroasiatic language family is the third most widely spoken in India, with over 5% of the population speaking an Austroasiatic language.

Multiple choice

Which language family is the fourth most widely spoken in India?

  1. Sino-Tibetan

  2. Afro-Asiatic

  3. Tai-Kadai

  4. Hmong-Mien
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sino-Tibetan language family is the fourth most widely spoken in India, with over 2% of the population speaking a Sino-Tibetan language.