Exam 5: Language

A structured system of symbols used for creating meaning is known as a(n):

Research on humor has found that different cultures and societies have different ideas about what makes a joke funny. Using what you know about humor, about culture, and about language in general, explain why this should be the case? That is, why should cultures differ from each other in their appreciation of humor? In your explanation, make explicit reference to the principles of culture, language, and humor that support your argument.

Which of the following is not one of the criticisms that have been levied against the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

Pennebaker's research shows that verbal communication has little ability to provide comfort and healing.

Phonological rules deal with the correct pronunciation of words.

Do you agree with some of the criticisms scholars have waged against the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? How important is language in shaping our worldview? How important is our worldview in shaping language development? Make a case either for or against the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

What are some of the benefits of using language in positive ways that express affection, intimacy, comfort, and support? Think about implications for the speaker, the hearer, and their relationship. What are some of the different ways we can use language to express these sentiments?

Saying that someone has been "let go" instead of "fired" is an example of which language behavior?

To an American, the phrase, "How are you today?" sounds correct whereas the phrase "Today you are how?" sounds incorrect. The second phrase violates which rule of language?

All language is symbolic, and all symbolic systems constitute language.

Using emotion to persuade is known as an appeal to ethos.

The use of a thumbs-up gesture to symbolize the statement "good luck":

An I-statement claims ownership of what one is feeling or thinking, whereas a you-statement shifts that responsibility to the other person.

Only false statements can ever qualify as libel.

People often use language that is vague or unclear intentionally. Create a situation in which someone might use vague language to intentionally mislead someone. How might you improve this situation? Finally, comment on the ethical considerations of intentionally using language that is vague or misleading. Is it unethical to use language that is intentionally vague in order to give someone the wrong impression? Are there situations in which intentionally misleading someone is acceptable?

The literal, "dictionary" definition of a word is its __________ meaning.

What are the elements of the Semantic Triangle? List, define, and provide an example of how they work together.

Your text has made the suggestion that generally positive forms of language, like humor, can sometimes have negative consequences, and that generally negative forms of language, like profanity, can sometimes be positive. This point illustrates how much the effects of language depend on the context in which it is used. In a short essay, explain this point by using concrete examples of humor and profanity (as both positive and negative). Then, extend your discussion to the other forms of speech discussed in the chapter, including euphemism, slang, libel, slander, and hate speech. It is true that each of these forms of language could have either positive or negative effects, depending on the context?

Verbal communication includes both spoken and written language.

According to research, a joke must contain this in order to be considered funny: