Exam 5: Language

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?

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?

Which of the following is true about I-statements?

Identify and define each of the four types of language rules articulated in your text.

Describe how language is tied to issues of credibility, and provide examples of at least three different factors that might affect one's credibility.

Do you agree with some of the criticisms scholars have offered 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.

According to research, women who take their husbands' name when they marry differ in some ways from women who keep their birth name. Which of the following statements is true?

When Jesse first met Nicolette, he extended his hand and said warmly, "Nice to meet you." In response, Nicolette sighed, rolled her eyes, and simply said, "Yah," in a very sarcastic tone. Jesse inferred that Nicolette was not excited about meeting him, based on her reaction. On which rule of language did Jesse likely base his decision?

Verbal communication includes both spoken and written language.

Only false statements can ever qualify as libel.

Regarding defamation, which of the following is true?

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

Which of the following statements about language and culture is true?

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

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

Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and give examples that illustrate its assertions.

Slang can serve an important social function by helping people distinguish between those who do and do not belong to their social networks.

How prevalent is hate speech in American culture today? What types of environments promote or foster this type of language? What, if anything, should be done to eliminate hate speech and/or protect the targets of hate speech? Finally, using some of the concepts from the textbook and/or class, make some recommendations for ways that hate speech can be avoided at your college or university.

Which of the following statements about slang is FALSE?

Phonological rules deal with the correct pronunciation of words.