The Scene Illustrated in an Early Scroll of the Tale

question 16

Multiple Choice

The scene illustrated in an early scroll of the Tale of Genji (3.74) shows a prince holding a baby. What is taking place?

• A) the prince is mourning the death of his firstborn
• B) the prince is sad because he knows the baby he is holding is not his own
• C) the prince is falling asleep holding his nephew
• D) the prince is stealing the baby from his sister
• E) none of the other answers

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Definitions:

Language Acquisition

The process by which individuals learn their native language, primarily during early childhood.

Genie

A feral child who was the subject of studies on language acquisition and human development after being discovered living in extreme isolation.

Nicaraguan Sign Language

A unique sign language that spontaneously developed among deaf children in Nicaragua in the 1970s and 1980s, providing a valuable case study for linguists.

Pidgin Language

A simplified form of speech that develops between two or more groups that do not have a language in common, used for communication purposes.