Question 1

Speaking directly to your friend with little concern for her feelings as you demand that she share her homework answers with you is an example of the use of ________.

Accepted Answer

Bald on-record language is the use of direct and straightforward language with little concern for the listener's feelings or face-wants. In this example, the speaker is demanding homework answers without any attempt to soften their request or show concern for their friend's positive or negative face-wants.

Question 2

When you think of puppies and babies, you are usually filled with feelings of affection and compassion. This is likely because of the __________ we associate with these words.

Accepted Answer

The connotative meaning refers to the emotional and cultural associations that a word or phrase carries, beyond its literal definition. In this case, the words "puppies" and "babies" have positive connotations that evoke feelings of warmth, love, and tenderness, which is why we typically respond to them with affection and compassion.

Question 3

We provide detail and ask questions, fine examples of the __________function of language.

Accepted Answer

The informative function of language is used to convey information, provide details, and ask questions. This sentence clearly states the purpose of the language being used, making it an example of the informative function.

Question 4

The two types of face wants are ___________

Accepted Answer

Positive face wants refer to the desire to be liked and appreciated, while negative face wants refer to the desire to be autonomous and free from imposition.

Question 5

Offering to take notes for your friend when she misses a day of class is likely to build your _________.

Accepted Answer

Offering to take notes for someone who missed class is a helpful and considerate act which is likely to build positive face, or the desire to be liked and respected by others.

Question 6

There are two language rules of pragmatic competence: first, be clear, and second, _______.

Accepted Answer

The second language rule of pragmatic competence is to be polite. This means using appropriate titles, greetings, and social expressions, as well as avoiding offensive language or behavior. Showing concern, not lying, making eye contact, and being competent are also important aspects of communication, but they are not specifically related to pragmatic competence.

Question 7

When the rules of pragmatic competence conflict, which prevails?

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic competence involves using language appropriately in social contexts, where being polite often takes precedence over other rules to maintain harmony and positive social interactions.

Question 8

The primary difference between a speech community and a speech network is ____________.

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between a speech community and a speech network is that people in the same speech network communicate frequently enough to share a greater understanding of one another, whereas a speech community may include people who do not communicate frequently or share the same level of understanding of the language.

Question 9

An up-and-coming singer/guitar player at the local bar belts out her favorite song, obviously enjoying language's __________ function.

Accepted Answer

The imaginative function of language is used when expressing creativity or artistic aspects, such as singing a favorite song, which involves creativity and personal expression.

Question 10

According to the rules of pragmatic competence, ____________.

Accepted Answer

The rules of pragmatic competence emphasize the importance of politeness and appropriate communication in order to achieve successful interactions. While clarity is important, it is not the only factor in effective communication. Confidence can contribute to competence, but it is not the sole determining factor. Directness is also not always necessary, as indirect language may sometimes be more appropriate.

Question 11

A teacher's ability to control and maintain the attention of his students is an example of ____________.

Accepted Answer

The regulatory function of language refers to the use of language to influence the behavior of others, such as giving commands and enforcing rules. In this scenario, the teacher's ability to control and maintain attention is a form of regulating their behavior.

Question 12

The difference in the English language between the words home and house is actually a difference in ___________.

Accepted Answer

The words home and house have different connotative meanings. Home implies a sense of warmth, comfort, and belonging, while house refers more to the physical structure. This distinction is culturally understood in the English language.

Question 13

Your sister turns to you and says, "Are you as hungry as I am? Why don't you come to lunch with me?" Her question is a good example of the operation of ___________ in language.

Accepted Answer

Positive politeness strategies aim to make the addressee feel good about themselves, their interests, or their wants. In this case, the sister's invitation is framed in a way that seeks to establish a positive connection, showing concern for the listener's needs (hunger) and suggesting a shared activity (lunch), which is a characteristic of positive politeness.

Question 14

Your sister turns to you and says, "I know you're kind of busy and I don't want to take you away from your homework, but why don't you come to lunch with me?" Her question is a good example of the operation of ___________ in language.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "I know you're kind of busy and I don't want to take you away from your homework" shows that the sister is aware of and acknowledging the other person's need to study. By using "negative politeness," the sister demonstrates consideration for the other person's priorities and shows that she does not want to significantly inconvenience them.

Question 15

"Argument is war" is an example of ____________.

Accepted Answer

"Argument is war" is a metaphorical comparison between argument and warfare.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a euphemism?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "let go" is a euphemism for firing or laying off an employee.

Question 17

_____ consists of scripted and superficial conversations based on social convention.

Accepted Answer

Small talk refers to scripted and superficial conversations that follow social convention. It is a way for people to initiate and maintain social interactions without delving into more personal or controversial topics.

Question 18

When a mother tells her teenager that night's curfew time, she is using language's _________function.

Accepted Answer

The mother is setting a rule and expectation for the teenager's behavior, which falls under the regulatory function of language.

Question 19

The formal units of language are words and ________.

Accepted Answer

The formal units of language are words and sounds. Grammar, motions, articulation, and concepts are all important aspects of language, but they are not considered formal units.

Question 20

When you and a friend converse, you both automatically adjust your vocabularies, rates of speech, vocal patterns, accents, and even gestures to ensure efficient meaning making, just as ____________ Theory would predict.

Accepted Answer

Communication Accommodation Theory explains how individuals adjust their communication behaviors to facilitate mutual understanding and rapport between speakers. This can include adjustments in vocabulary, pace of speech, vocal patterns, accents, and even nonverbal behaviors. Therefore, the conversation described in the question aligns well with this theory.

Quiz 3: Verbal Communication