Which one of the following is not a characteristic of a language ?

The correct answer is Language is static.

Explanation:

Language is a dynamic, evolving system of communication used by humans. To understand why "Language is static" is NOT a characteristic of language, let us break down the fundamental characteristics of language:

1. Language is dynamic (not static): Language is constantly changing and evolving over time. New words are added (e.g., through technology and cultural shifts), old words change meaning, and some words fall out of use. Therefore, language is dynamic, flexible, and adaptive, not static.

2. Language is symbolic: Language uses symbols—words, signs, sounds, and gestures—to represent objects, ideas, actions, and abstract concepts.

3. Language is social: Language exists within a community of speakers. It functions primarily as a tool for communication, social interaction, and cultural transmission among individuals in a society.

4. Language is systematic: Language follows a structured set of rules (grammar, syntax, phonology, and semantics) that allows speakers to combine sounds and words to form meaningful sentences.

Since language is inherently dynamic and constantly changing, the statement that language is static is false, making it the correct choice for this question.