'Language is arbitrary' means that _____

The correct option is: there is no inherent relation between the words of a language and their meaning.

Explanation:

In linguistics, when we say that language is arbitrary, it means that there is no logical, natural, or physical connection between a word (the linguistic signifier) and the concept or object it represents (the signified).

For example, there is no intrinsic reason why a four-legged domesticated canine is called a "dog" in English, "perro" in Spanish, or "chien" in French. The choice of the word is simply a matter of social convention established by the speakers of that language over time, rather than an inherent quality of the animal itself.

Let us analyze the given options:

1. "something is determined by judgement and for a specific reason." – Incorrect. Arbitrariness specifically implies the absence of a logical or specific physical reason in word creation.

2. "it is based on a valid reason and not on chance." – Incorrect. Arbitrary linguistic signs are not derived from a single "valid reason" tied to the real-world object.

3. "there is a strong relation between the words of a language and their meaning." – Incorrect. This describes iconic or motivated signs, which is the opposite of arbitrary.

4. "there is no inherent relation between the words of a language and their meaning." – Correct. This directly defines the concept of linguistic arbitrariness pioneered by Ferdinand de Saussure.