Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a language system?

A language system is characterized by several key features that define how communication is structured and understood among speakers.

Being productive refers to the ability of a language to generate an infinite number of sentences and ideas from a limited set of rules and vocabulary. This feature allows for creativity in language use, enabling speakers to express new thoughts and concepts.

Discrete elements of language indicate that it is made up of distinct units, such as phonemes, morphemes, and words. These units can be combined according to grammatical rules to create meaning.

Language is also arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the words used and their meanings. For instance, the sound of the word "dog" bears no resemblance to the actual animal. This arbitrariness allows for flexibility and variability in languages across different cultures.

Characterizing language as random would contradict the structured nature of language systems. Unlike random arrangements, language adheres to specific grammatical and syntactical rules that foster consistent and organized communication. Therefore, suggesting that a language system is random fails to recognize the essential aspects of language structure. This is why the answer indicating that random is not a characteristic of a language system is accurate.