The Principles of Language

Which of the following is an example of the connotative meaning of language? a. Snow is formed directly from the freezing of the water vapor in the air. b. Snow usually reminds me of Christmas. c. Snow is a precipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of intricately branched, hexagonal form and often agglomerated into snowflakes. d. Snow is cold to touch.

b. Snow usually reminds me of Christmas.

Concrete terms can never be used in an abstract or symbolic way.

False

Language is interpreted exactly the same way by every person.

False

Language is symbolic.

True

Which of the following is an example of the face-saving principle of language? -a student spitting on the ground in the middle of having a conversation with his teacher -a man interrupting a co-worker because he doesn't agree with her opinion -a brother walking away from an argument with his sister -a friend avoiding a controversial topic

a friend avoiding a controversial topic

Which of the following is an example of a denotative meaning? a. "Tree; a large woody plant that survives and continues to grow year after year" b. "Tree; the source of joy and excitement as a child" c. "Tree; symbolic of growth and strength" d. "Tree; the destroyer of my home during a storm"

a. "Tree; a large woody plant that survives and continues to grow year after year"

________ of language leads to meaning. a. Interpretation b. Bypass c. Communication d. Understanding

a. Interpretation

The sentence "I think that I have never seen a poem lovely as a tree" uses the word "poem" as a __________ term in an __________ way. a. concrete, abstract b. concrete, denotative c. denotative, connotative d. connotative, abstract

a. concrete, abstract

Which of the following is not an example of the denotative meaning of language? a. A hat is a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, especially for wear outdoors. b. A sweater is a soft and fuzzy top to keep people warm. c. A glove is a fitted covering for the hand with a separate sheath for each finger and the thumb. d. A shirt a long- or short-sleeved garment for the upper part of the body, usually lightweight and having a collar and a front opening.

b. A sweater is a soft and fuzzy top to keep people warm.

Which of the following is an example of the denotative meaning of language? a. A flower is used to beautify the surroundings. b. A flower comes in many colors. c. A flower is the blossom of a plant. d. A flower symbolizes beauty.

c. A flower is the blossom of a plant.

Which of the following statements is not true? a. Language is symbolic. b. Language can be interpreted based on past experiences. c. All languages rely on identical symbols. d. Grammar and syntax are essential components of language.

c. All languages rely on identical symbols.

Which of the following statements is true? a. Everyone who speaks the same language interprets the language exactly the same way. b. All languages rely on identical symbols. c. Past experience can influence how we interpret language. d. Language does not require grammar to be understood.

c. Past experience can influence how we interpret language.

Which of the following is not one of the four meanings we assign to language? a. concrete b. abstract c. bypass d. denotative

c. bypass

Which of the following is not an example of the concrete meaning of language? a. wind b. shirt c. color d. glass

c. color

"A system of symbols structured by grammar and syntax common to a community of people" a. perception b. verbal communication c. language d. communication

c. language

Which of the following is not an example of the abstract meaning of language? a. misery b. patriotism c. duty d. bananas

d. bananas

Which of the following is not a principle of language? a. cooperation b. face-saving c. politeness d. bluntness

d. bluntness

Which of the following determines how we interpret language? a. culture and location b. context and education c. culture and education d. context and culture

d. context and culture

Which of the following is an example of the concrete meaning of language? a. joy b. sorrow c. love d. paint

d. paint