Deck 4: Verbal Communication

Question 1

What is/are symbolic, an arbitrary system of symbols, rule-governed, and conveys power?

A) Discourse
B) Speech
C) Language
D) Words

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Words are _______ that represent things, our feelings, names for objects around us, and explanations for behaviors.

A) symbols
B) jargon
C) paralanguage
D) power

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Casey's Aunt asked what article he was reading. Casey replied, "It's a review of current research associated with the physical characteristics of spinal manipulation. I'm on a bit of a quest to track down all of the proposed mechanisms by which a high-velocity low amplitude thrust may remove nerve interference. It's pretty clear that deafferentation and hyperafferentation result in aberrant somatosensory input and integration. If the integration is poor the efferent signals will simply be wrong, and will result in strange motor or visceral neuromodulation." Casey's Aunt did not understand what the article was about because Casey used

A) clichés.
B) abstractions.
C) technical language.
D) euphemisms.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Professor Lutz identified _________ as euphemisms, jargon, gobbledygook, and inflated language.

A) arbitrary rules
B) doublespeak
C) connotative meanings
D) denotative meanings

Question 5

The phrase, "We went shopping last week," is an example of a method used to improve verbal communication. This method is called

A) dating.
B) formulizing.
C) indexing.
D) describing.

Question 6

What can be communicated through language?

A) Power
B) Authority
C) Position
D) Status

Question 7

Jameel wrote the definition for aggressive by referring to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary rather than using his experiences as a reference. Jameel used the ________ meaning of the word.

A) connotative
B) denotative
C) representative
D) euphemistic

Question 8

When Moses' teacher called him a "troubled youth" instead of a "juvenile delinquent" she was using a(n)

A) antonym.
B) synonym.
C) euphemism.
D) supportive term.

Question 9

Pamela's explanation to Marge lacked specificity when she said, "We were disappointed; so were the kids." Her language and discussion about the family vacation was

A) powerless.
B) concrete.
C) vague.
D) symbolic.

Question 10

The use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts is called

A) generalizations.
B) vague language.
C) regulative rules.
D) abstractions.

Question 11

Angela told Sami, "I'm on the carpet!" Because both women are from the Mid Atlantic seaboard, Sami knows that Angela cannot wait to get married. This is an example of how language is influenced by

A) social culture.
B) geographic location.
C) racial background.
D) ethnic make-up.

Question 12

When the meaning for a word or symbol is determined by someone's experiences, values, and culture, it is known as what type of definition?

A) Dictionary
B) Connotative
C) Denotative
D) Contextual

Question 13

During Shari's first golf lesson, her instructor was using terms such as par, handicap, divot, and wedge. She knew the meanings of these words but not how they applied to the game of golf. Shari's lack of familiarity with this terminology is an example of

A) dating.
B) descriptive language.
C) slang.
D) technical language.

Question 14

Unspoken rules that guide our use of language are called

A) implied rules.
B) expressed rules.
C) regulative rules.
D) governed rules.

Question 15

Language that has its own set of meanings and that often sets the group apart from others is used by

A) women.
B) men.
C) cultures.
D) students.

Question 16

What can we use to more accurately reflect our perceptions of people, events, or objects by pointing out individual differences and unique qualities?

A) Indexing
B) Dating
C) Paraphrasing
D) Profanity

Question 17

According to Ogden and Richards, what process is the indirect link between the object and the word?

A) Abstraction
B) Indexing
C) Dating
D) Thought

Question 18

Using ________ helps us communicate more clearly and accurately; helps reduce misunderstandings, and can make our speech more interesting.

A) descriptive language
B) symbols
C) vague language
D) paralanguage

Question 19

When asked by Grandma Jackie how her friend Alex was doing, Bridget replied, "Hahaha, OMG! This is too perf! Alex told me that she and Greg went to the game and afterward, they both partied so hard. People were jealous of their swag, but it's a whatever, because, like, YOLO!" Grandma Jackie did not understand the message because Bridget used

A) generic language.
B) euphemisms.
C) jargon.
D) slang.

Question 20

Ana was hurt and upset at Chad for spending so much money on an entertainment center and then lying to her about the cost discrepancy. Making light of it, Chad said, "So, I was 'economical with the truth,' the entertainment center is amazing and you'll learn to love it." The phrase "economical with the truth" is a(n) ________ for the word lying.

A) slang
B) jargon
C) euphemism
D) general language

Question 21

Words are that represent our thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a specific context or relationship.

Question 22

________ language is characterized by assertive statements and certainty.

Question 23

According to Webster's Dictionary, the word "reckless" is defined as "heedless or careless." This definition is the ________ meaning of the word.

Question 24

________ are used to spare someone's feelings or to lessen the impact of words.

Question 25

Language that can be used to misrepresent ideas or mislead the listener is known as ________.

Question 26

Bobbi was upset about today's meeting. She told Kurt, "My client is so unreasonable about making changes in the project." Ken asked, "Is she unreasonable about all changes?" Bobbi clarified herself, "No, only the changes I have made this week." Bobbi is using ________ to improve her verbal skills.

Question 27

The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message is known as

Question 28

____________ is a problem because it only pretends to include women when in fact it refers only to men.

Question 29

Edgar's tardiness made Monica and him late for the symphony. Since late entrances are not allowed, the money it cost for the tickets was wasted. This made Monica furious. Trying to communicate her strong feelings, Monica used profanity to communicate her annoyance and frustration. Edgar felt bad about being late but after listening to her tirade, Edgar shook his head, got back in his car, and left Monica at home. What effect did Monica's profanity have on Edgar and why?

Question 30

___________ language helps us to perceive people as capable, credible, and believable.

Question 31

Language is arbitrary, rule-governed, and conveys power.

Question 32

Regulative rules are unspoken rules that guide our use of language.

Question 33

Language is arbitrary because its meaning can change depending on the speaker, audience, and context.

Question 34

The connotative meaning of a word is also known as the dictionary meaning of the word.

Question 35

The denotative meaning is the specific reference of the word, what we find in a dictionary.

Question 36

Words help us to communicate effectively because they represent both abstract and concrete things.

Question 37

Words collected together and understood by a large group form a language.

Question 38

Our culture refers only to our racial or ethnic make-up.

Question 39

Words such as choice, hope, and heaven are abstract principles, whereas desk, teacher, and computer are concrete things we can see, touch, and hear.

Question 40

Powerful language includes disclaimers and tag questions that communicate a sense of uncertainty and tentativeness.

Question 41

A euphemism is a word used to substitute for another word because it is more pleasant.

Question 42

Terms such as "congressman," "policeman," and "clergyman" are all examples of generic language.

Question 43

Although these rules are unspoken, Adam knows never to use vulgar language in front of adults, especially those in authority positions. These rules are also known as indexing.

Question 44

Using time references in our statements makes what we say more accurate and fact based. This technique is called indexing.

Question 45

Indexing our statements helps us prevent generalizing and stereotyping by focusing on the unique qualities of a person or thing.

Question 46

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Abstraction

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 47

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Regulative rules

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 48

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Language

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 49

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Culture

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 50

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Euphemisms

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 51

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Descriptive language

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 52

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Dating

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 53

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Indexing

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 54

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Technical language

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 55

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Vague language

A) Customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group
B) Things, names for objects around us
C) Use of broad terms to explain ideas or concepts
D) An arbitrary system of symbols that is governed by rules and conveys power
E) Unspoken rules that guide our use of language
F) Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant
G) Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career
H) Takes individual differences into account
I) The use of a specific time reference to clarify a message
J) Lacks directness and specificity
K) Specific words that represent observable behavior or phenomena

Question 56

Why is language symbolic?

Question 57

Explain the differences between denotative and connotative meanings. Choose a word (aggressive, dirty, cool, hot, gay, patriotic, or one of your own) and give its denotative and connotative meaning.

Question 58

Describe how ethnic/racial/social influences affect the meaning of words by discussing how a particular culture may use its own set of meanings to communicate within the United States. How does this relate to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? What are some different ethnic, racial, and social groups within the U.S?

Question 59

Identify the four areas within the nature of language derived from its definition, and give an example of powerless language.

Question 60

Identify and give a brief description of five ways to improve verbal skills.