Which of the following is defined as a system of human communication using arbitrary symbols based on speech and sounds?

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The correct answer is language because it encompasses a structured system of communication that utilizes arbitrary symbols and sounds to convey meaning. Language is not just about the sounds themselves, but rather how those sounds are organized into a predetermined system that allows people to understand and share thoughts, ideas, and emotions. This ability to use arbitrary symbols—such as words in written or spoken form—distinguishes language from other forms of communication that might not employ such a complex structure.

Speech, while a critical component of language, specifically refers to the physical act of producing sounds. Dialect refers to a variation of a language that is specific to a particular group of speakers, often distinguished by geography or social factors. Communication is a broader term that includes any method of conveying information, not limited to structured systems like language. Thus, "language" accurately captures the essence of this definition as it relates specifically to the organized and symbolic nature of human communication.

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