COM 100 chapter 4

True or false: Language functions to connect us with others but not to separate us from others.

False

True or false: Profanity is language that harms a person's reputation.

False

Which of the following are functions of language?

It connects us to others. It motivates action. It expresses who we are.

Which of the following statements is true about language?

It is governed by rules.

Language is which of the following?

It is used to communicate meaning. It uses symbols called words. It is a system of symbols.

Which of the following are true about language?

Language is bound by culture. Use of language varies by culture. The values of a society are reflected in its use of language.

Which of the following examples are I-statements?

My feelings are hurt. I don't think this task is getting done properly. I'm feeling ignored. I'm having trouble understanding you.

Which of the following statements are true about language?

Words represent objects. Language is symbolic.

Which of the following are principles that can help you distinguish between opinions and factual claims?

You can agree or disagree with an opinion. You can verify a factual claim.

Which of the following are true about how to improve your language use?

You should avoid using language that is too complex for your audience. You should avoid using language that is too simple for your audience. You should try to speak at an appropriate level of complexity for your audience. Select a concept resource to continue.

Which of the following definitions applies to the term cliché?

a word or phrase that was once novel but has lost its effect due to overuse

A word that refers to a broad category or organizing concept of objects is described as

abstract

That a word like "duck" has no characteristics of a duck--the word "duck" cannot fly, does not have a bill or webbed feet, and does not quack--represents the concept that language is usually

arbitrary

What is the process of engaging in honest, authentic, and respectful conversation with others called?

civil dialogue

Which of the following describes a word or phrase that was novel at one time but has lost its effect because of overuse?

cliché

A word that refers to a specific object in the world can be referred to as

concrete

Language is bound by which of the following?

context and culture

A vague, mild expression that substitutes for something that is harsher or more blunt is known as a(n)

euphemism

Slang is closely related to __________, in that it substitutes formal terminology with informal or unconventional language.

euphemism

When topics are difficult to talk about directly, speakers may use vague or mild language, also known as __________, as a substitute for harsher terms.

euphemism

Which of the following are skills that civil communicators practice?

honesty civil listening care with language openness to change

The basic rules that govern language apply to which of the following?

how words are placed in a sentence or phrase what words mean how words are pronounced

Which of the following is defined as a structured system of symbols used for communicating meaning?

language

Which of the following refers to defamatory statements made in print or some other fixed medium, such as a photograph?

libel

Which of the following is a use of language that separates us from others?

negative campaign advertisements

Which of the following describes language that is considered vulgar, rude, or obscene in the context in which it is used?

profanity

Which of the following ways of using language can be abusive or beneficial, depending on how they are used?

profanity criticism

What are the three corners of the semantic triangle?

reference referent symbol

In the semantic triangle, the denotative meaning of a word is called the ______ and the connotative meaning is called the ______.

referent; reference

Which of the following are the primary social functions of language?

sharing social information expressing affection providing comfort and support

Which of the following describes a short and memorable phrase that will motivate people to become customers?

slogan

Which of the following describes how a word represents an object or idea but does not constitute the object or idea?

symbolism

Because words are only symbols of objects and ideas and can mean whatever we choose them to mean, language is

usually arbitrary.