Question 1

The best way to move down the abstraction ladder when someone confronts you with vague language is to look up the confusing words in a dictionary and put them into your own words.

Accepted Answer

Moving down the abstraction ladder involves asking for specific examples or clarifications rather than just looking up definitions, as it aims to make the information more concrete and tailored to the context.

Question 2

Words such as "lady lawyer," "female doctor," and "woman minister" are part of inclusive language terminology.

Accepted Answer

Words such as "lady lawyer," "female doctor," and "woman minister" are not examples of inclusive language terminology, as they are unnecessary gender modifiers that can perpetuate gender stereotypes and biases. Using the terms "lawyer," "doctor," and "minister" can be more inclusive and respectful to individuals of all genders.

Question 3

Language is symbolic.

Accepted Answer

Language uses symbols (words) to represent concepts or ideas. Therefore, it is symbolic in nature.

Question 4

According to the textbook, women need same-sex conversations more than men do.

Accepted Answer

The textbook states that women need same-sex conversations more than men because such conversations can provide emotional support and help build connections with others. Men, on the other hand, may have more same-sex conversations focused on shared activities and interests rather than emotional bonding.

Question 5

Abstract language is specific in nature.

Accepted Answer

Abstract language is generally not specific and can be open to interpretation. It often deals with concepts or ideas rather than concrete objects.

Question 6

Which of the following describes the highest-level abstraction?

Accepted Answer

Complaining about chores is the highest-level abstraction because it refers to a general category of tasks without specifying any particular task, making it more abstract than the other options which refer to specific instances or types of chores.

Question 7

Semantic rules are more powerful than an individual's personal meaning for words.

Accepted Answer

Semantic rules establish the accepted meanings of words in a language community and are more powerful than an individual's personal associations with those words.

Question 8

One key to more accurate use of language is to avoid assuming that others interpret words the same way we do.

Accepted Answer

Language is subjective and can have different meanings for different people. Therefore, it is important to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure mutual understanding.

Question 9

There are between 20 and 50 different Indigenous languages spoken throughout Canada.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are between 20 and 50 different...

Question 10

"Thanks for helping," is an example of behavioural language.

Accepted Answer

"Thanks for helping" is an example of appreciative language, not behavioral language. Behavioral language specifically describes actions or behaviors.

Question 11

Which statement is an inference?

Accepted Answer

This is an inference because the statement goes beyond what is explicitly stated and implies a judgement about the person's feelings or motivations.

Question 12

What is Canada's third most frequently spoken mother tongue?

Accepted Answer

Chinese is the third most frequently spoken mother tongue in Canada, following English and French.

Question 13

A perfectly worded "I" statement delivered with total sincerity will ensure that the other person will not get defensive.

Accepted Answer

While using "I" statements can be a helpful communication strategy, there is no guarantee that the other person will not get defensive. People may have different reactions and emotions to any type of statement, regardless of how it is delivered.

Question 14

"You don't care about me" is an example of inference.
Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

Accepted Answer

"You don't care about me" is a conclusion based on interpreting someone's behavior or actions. It is not a statement of fact, but rather an inference drawn from observations, tone, or other contextual cues.

Question 15

There are a few advantages to using a deferential language style.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are a few advantages to using...

Question 16

Asking questions may be a way to avoid making a declaration of what you want or feel.

Accepted Answer

Asking questions can be used to gather information or to lead a conversation, rather than making a direct statement about one's own thoughts or feelings.

Question 17

According to research, women talk more than men.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that men and women talk approximately the same amount on average, debunking the stereotype that women talk more than men. Studies have found that the difference in the number of words spoken daily by men and women is minimal, with variations depending more on context and individual personality than on gender.

Question 18

An "it" statement is an unconscious way to avoid taking a position on something.

Accepted Answer

An "it" statement refers to using the word "it" as a vague pronoun to avoid taking a clear position on something. It can be an unconscious communication style.

Question 19

Canadian researcher Colleen Reid's work showed that emotive labels could also result in disagreeable consequences, as she discovered that women living in poverty were often referred to as "welfare cases" and "bad mothers."

Accepted Answer

Canadian researcher Colleen Reid's work revealed that emotive labels could lead to unpleasant outcomes, such as women living in poverty being referred to as "welfare cases" and "bad mothers."

Question 20

Which statement best describes the idea of maleness as a standard?

Accepted Answer

The statement highlights how the default assumption of a doctor is male, necessitating the qualifier "woman" for female doctors, illustrating how maleness is often the unmarked standard.

Quiz 5: Language: Barrier and Bridge