comm ch 4

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

providing comfort and support expressing affection sharing social information

Which of the following are true about the difference between opinions and factual claims? Select all that apply.

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

In what ways does spoken language enable us to connect to others?

It allows us to provide comfort. It allows us to provide support. It allows us to share social information.

Which of the following are ways that humor can improve our communication with others?

It can make social interactions more pleasant and enjoyable. It can bring us closer to people. It can diffuse stress.

Which of the following are functions of language?

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

Which of the following statements is true about language?

It is governed by rules.

Language is which of the following?

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

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 statements are true about language?

Language is symbolic. Words represent objects.

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 examples are you-statements?

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

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

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. You should avoid using language that is too complex for your audience.

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

language is bound by which of the following?

context culture

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

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

euphemism.

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

false

Which of the following describes profanity meant to degrade, intimidate, or dehumanize persons based on their sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race, disability status, or political or moral views?

hate speech

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

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

neither entirely bad nor entirely good.

Which of the following are skills that civil communicators practice?

openness to change honesty civil listening care with language

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

opinions

Which of the following are ways to improve your language?

own your own thoughts and feelings speak at an appropriate level separate opinions from factual claims

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

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

referent; reference

Negative campaign advertisements are an example of the use of language to

separate people from each other ideologically.

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

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

symbol

What are the three corners of the semantic triangle?

symbol reference referent

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.