Chapter 4: How we use language

What are the three corners of the semantic triangle?

1.) reference 2.) referent 3.) Symbol

Which of the following are true about the difference between opinions and factual claims?

~A factual claim makes an assertion that wen can verify with evidence and show to be true or false ~An opinion expresses a personal judgement or preference that we could agree or disagree with ~An opinion is not true or false in an absolute sense

Which of the following are skills that civil communicators practice ?

~Civil listening ~Care with language ~Honesty ~Openness to change

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

~Criticism ~Profanity

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

~How words are placed in a sentence or phrases ~What words mean ~How words are pronounced

Which of the following is true about hate speech?

~It can be based on race, disability status, religion, or sexual orientation ~It is meant to degrade, intimidate, or dehumanize people ~It involves calling people derogatory names and advocating violence against them

Which of the following are functions of language ?

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

Which of the following describe how language expresses who we are?

~It enhances our credibility ~it identifies us

Which of the following are functions of language?

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

Which of the following are true about language?

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

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

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

Cliche

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

Concrete

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

FALSE

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 descries language that is considered vulgar, rude, or obscene in the context in which it is used?

Profanity

Which of the following describes a defamatory statement that is made aloud, within earshot of others?

Slander

Which of the following describes the use of informal and often unconventional words that are understood only by others in a particular group?

Slang

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

Slogan

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

Usually arbitrary

When a speaker uses language that is inappropriately simple for the audience, the speaker is talking

down to people

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

By bringing us closer to other people, as well as making social interaction more pleasant and enjoyable, _____ can enhance our communication with others

humor

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

negative campaign advertisements

Forms of language, such as euphemism, slang, and profanity, are

neither entirely bad nor entirely good

It is important for a speaker to separate ______ from factual claims

opinions

In the semantic triangle, the word being communicated is called the

symbol

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

symbolism

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

~You should try to speak at an appropriate level of complexity for your audience ~You should avoid using language that is too simple for your audience ~You should avoid using language that is too complex for your audience

Which of the following examples are you-statements ?

~You're not listening to me ~You hurt my feelings ~You're making me mad ~You don't know what you're doing

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

~sharing social information ~expressing affection ~providing comfort and support