Question 1
Many languages have interesting words and expressions that combine seemingly unconnected concepts in order to express very peculiar things. For instance, take the case of “Augenmusik” in German. This word literally means “eye music,” which at first seems to make absolute no sense; however, a simple example can show that it actually expresses a very peculiar fact about how music can “in a sense” be seen. Such “Augenmusik” has hidden patterns and details that are most easily known not by hearing but by looking at the script itself. There are many other such words in German but in English as well. Indeed, they are so numerous that it is almost impossible to count them.
Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of this paragraph?
- Many languages rely upon interesting constructions of seemingly contradictory or senseless sets of words that, in reality, describe quite interesting phenomena.
- "Augenmusik" is quite difficult to describe merely when listening to it, but once you see the musical score, it is completely obvious.
- German has many words like "Augenmusik" that are amusing when taken literally but very informative when considered in their real meaning.
- Languages are generally a mashup of contradictory elements that somehow manage to function in spite of their seemingly endless contradictions.
- Words like "Augenmusik" are absolutely necessary to express complex phenomena in the world, which is too beautiful to be described in a few simple phrases.