Deck 7: The Power of Language

Question 1

People contribute to the development of language.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Reification occurs when words themselves become more powerful and influential than objective reality.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Ambiguity in language ensures clear communication.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

One of the most common forms of double speak is

A) Hyperbole
B) Double entendre
C) Euphemism
D) Shielding
E) Ambiguity

Question 5

A_____word is a word used in prefer to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.

A) Reflective
B) Deflective
C) Squeeze
D) Weasel
E) Misdirected

Question 6

_____makes it hard to understand exactly what a speaker means.

A) Vagueness
B) Misrepresentation
C) Fallacy
D) Commitment

Question 7

Double speak is language used to lie or mislead while

A) A person doesn't agree
B) Pretending to tell the truth
C) Falsifying emotions
D) Appealing to logic and ethics
E) Misrepresenting facts

Question 8

Connotation refers to all the images that are associated with any given

A) Denotation
B) Fact
C) Fallacy
D) Judgment
E) Proof

Question 9

Matching

-A word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct forthright statement or position.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 10

Matching

-A tool that is used for semanticists to determine the meaning of words to a group of people.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 11

Matching

-When the words themselves become more powerful and influential than objective reality.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 12

Matching

-All the images/emotion associated with a word.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 13

Matching

-The literal definition of a word.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 14

Matching

-A less direct but more acceptable/politically correct term used to describe an event, person, or object.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 15

Matching

-When a word or phrase has different meanings/definitions and it is unclear which meaning is to be taken.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 16

Matching

-The symbol-using animal.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 17

Matching

-Language that is used to lie or mislead while pretending to tell the truth.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 18

Matching

-A problem that arises with the use of abstract words in which the meaning is unclear.

A) Denotation
B) Connotation
C) Ambiguity
D) Semantic Differential
E) Euphemism
F) Weasel Word
G) Vagueness
H) Burke's Definition of Man
I) Reification
J) Doublespeak

Question 19

What is Kenneth Burke's definition of man?

Question 20

What is the connotative meaning of a word? Give an example.

Question 21

How are words used to "romance a product?" Give an example.

Question 22

Does political rhetoric (language) tend to be more abstract or concrete? Why?

Question 23

Define reification. Give an example.

Question 24

What should you do when a word or phrase is unclear or is a potential source of misunderstanding?

Question 25

What is a euphemism? Give an example.

Question 26

General semanticists use the analogy of a map and a territory in their explanation of how we should view language. Using an example, explain what they mean by this analogy.

Question 27

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-Mrs. Spotless makes cleaning so fast, it's almost like having a maid.

Question 28

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-Welfare programs have not provided the poor with productive jobs.

Question 29

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-In tests for quality, Alfie Aspirin proved superior.

Question 30

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-The affordable X-man Security System; it's virtually foolproof. You couldn't find a safety system like this if your life depended on it.

Question 31

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-Smoothskin actually helps prevent lines and wrinkles.

Question 32

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-I'm voting for Joe Doe. He says that he's got a budgeting plan that shows concern for all Americans, for a change.

Question 33

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-Shine toothpaste can be of genuine value when used as part of a comprehensive dental program.

Question 34

Analyze the following statements by underlining all questionable words and phrases, and by explaining why they are questionable.
-Try Hera Shampoo with the exclusive formula that keeps hair looking simply wonderful.

Question 35

Define vagueness and explain why it creates problems for people.

Question 36

Define ambiguity, using an example.

Question 37

What is doublespeak? Cite one way in which it is used.

Question 38

Analyze the effectiveness of catchy political slogans such as "This time, vote for Jones-the candidate of the future." Why do politicians use this kind of rhetoric and why should we guard against it?

Question 39

What is the main principle guiding general semantics?