Question 1

Lack of precision is a word barrier that occurs when

Accepted Answer

Lack of precision occurs when words are used inappropriately or imprecisely. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, particularly in situations where accurate communication is crucial.

Question 2

When you and your cousin arrange to meet in front of the greenhouse and you arrive at the florist and your cousin waits in front of the house down the street that was just painted green, what word barrier has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Bypassing has occurred because both you and your cousin interpreted "greenhouse" differently, leading to a misunderstanding.

Question 3

Which of the following words is most abstract?

Accepted Answer

The word "food" is the most abstract term among the options given. It encompasses a wide range of items, including celery, vegetables, and any other edible items, making it less specific and more abstract than the other choices.

Question 4

The theory that each language includes some unique features that are not found in other languages is called

Accepted Answer

The answer of The theory that each language includes some...

Question 5

The notion that language shapes your culture and your culture shapes your language is called

Accepted Answer

The answer of The notion that language shapes your culture...

Question 6

In general, the more ________ the language, the easier it is for others to understand.

Accepted Answer

Concrete language refers to specific, tangible things or actions, making it easier for others to understand and visualize what is being communicated. Abstract language, on the other hand, refers to intangible concepts or ideas, which may be more difficult for others to grasp or interpret. Therefore, the more concrete the language, the easier it is for others to understand.

Question 7

The text example regarding the consumption of beef and pork in this culture as opposed to the consumption of "horse meat" demonstrates that

Accepted Answer

The text example shows how the use of the words "beef" and "pork" affects the cultural attitude towards consuming those meats, while the use of the phrase "horse meat" affects the cultural attitude towards consuming that meat. This demonstrates how words have the power to affect thoughts and actions.

Question 8

There is evidence to suggest that we have the ability to control our emotions based on our ability to control what we think about, as well as the choice of words we use to describe our feelings.This illustrates which of the following:

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that the words we use can shape our emotions and thoughts, indicating that words have the power to create or influence our emotional state.

Question 9

Using one word or phrase when you meant to say one that sounds like it is

Accepted Answer

Malapropism is the use of a word that is similar in sound but different in meaning to the word that was intended.

Question 10

Bypassing, static evaluation and allness are

Accepted Answer

Bypassing refers to using vague or ambiguous language that avoids directly addressing an issue, while static evaluation refers to the tendency to view people, objects or situations as fixed rather than dynamic. Allness is the belief that one has complete knowledge or understanding of something, which can limit our ability to see nuance or complexity. All three of these are examples of how language can create barriers to effective communication.

Question 11

The nervous speaker who confused the word organism with orgasm used

Accepted Answer

The nervous speaker confused the words organism and orgasm, which is a common type of malapropism where a word is substituted with a similar-sounding word that has a different meaning. This is not related to indexing, restricted code, or static evaluation.

Question 12

Bypassing occurs when

Accepted Answer

Bypassing occurs when the same word means different things to different people, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Question 13

One researcher estimated that the 500 words we use most often have over ________ different dictionary meanings.

Accepted Answer

The 500 words most commonly used in the English language have over 14,000 different dictionary meanings, highlighting the complexity and versatility of the language.

Question 14

The proud pet owner who announces that all of her female cats have been sprayed is displaying what lack of clarity?

Accepted Answer

The owner likely meant to say "spayed," which is the correct term for sterilizing female cats. "Sprayed" is a malapropism, a misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar.

Question 15

What two principles form the underlying elements in the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis proposes that language shapes and influences the way individuals perceive and understand the world. It is based on two underlying principles: linguistic determinism, which suggests that language determines thought and perception, and linguistic relativity, which suggests that language influences thought and perception to varying degrees based on the structure and categories of the language itself. Choice C correctly identifies these two principles.

Question 16

Using fillers like "you know" and "I mean" and hedging our conclusions with "I guess" and "sort of" characterizes

Accepted Answer

Powerless speech refers to the use of language that diminishes the speaker's power or assertiveness, and fillers like "you know" and "I mean" and hedging phrases like "I guess" and "sort of" are examples of powerless speech. This type of language can be perceived as uncertain or lacking confidence, which can undermine the speaker's credibility.

Question 17

How we interpret what we experience is called

Accepted Answer

World view refers to how individuals interpret and make sense of their experiences based on their cultural background, beliefs, values, and experiences. It shapes their perception of the world and affects how they communicate with others. A, C, and D are not accurate descriptions of the term.

Question 18

If you can see it, touch it, smell it, taste it, or hear it, then a word refers to something that is

Accepted Answer

Concrete words refer to things that can be perceived by the senses, such as touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing.

Question 19

A restricted code is

Accepted Answer

A restricted code refers to words or phrases that have a specific meaning or importance within a certain subgroup or culture. These words can be difficult for outsiders to understand or interpret correctly, as they may carry connotations or nuances that are not apparent to those unfamiliar with the group's shared identity and values. However, restricted codes are not necessarily illegal or classified, and they do not typically cause psychological interference (as in option D).

Question 20

Which of the following words is most concrete?

Accepted Answer

Catfish is the most concrete choice because it refers to a specific type of fish, whereas "fish" is a more general term. "Animal" and "living thing" are even more abstract, as they could refer to any number of different creatures.

Quiz 5: Verbal Communication Skills