Question 1

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.

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Question 2

Articulate how a factual claim differs from an opinion. Using concrete examples, be specific about what each type of statement involves and what kind of evidence each statement requires.

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Question 3

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?

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Question 4

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.

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Question 5

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 on your campus.

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Question 6

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?

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Question 7

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?

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Question 8

Explain the concept of hate speech. Compare and contrast it with both profanity and slang.

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Quiz 5: Language

Articulate how a factual claim differs from an opinion. Using concrete examples, be specific about what each type of statement involves and what kind of evidence each statement requires.

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?

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.

Explain the concept of hate speech. Compare and contrast it with both profanity and slang.