Question 1

The study of the sound system of language including how words are pronounced is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Phonetics is the branch of linguistics that studies the sounds of human speech, or—in the case of sign languages—the equivalent aspects of sign. It is concerned with the physical properties of speech sounds or signs (phones): their physiological production, acoustic properties, auditory perception, and neurophysiological status.

Question 2

The study of meaning or how individual words communicate the meaning we intend to get across in our communication is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Semantics is the branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words and how they combine to express the meanings intended in communication.

Question 3

The study of the structure of language or how words are combined into meaningful sentences (e.g., the cat white or the white cat) is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Syntactics, or syntax, is the branch of linguistics that studies how words are combined to form sentences and the rules that govern sentence structure.

Question 4

The study of how language is actually used in particular contexts is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Pragmatics focuses on how language is used in social contexts, considering the ways in which the context influences the interpretation of meaning.

Question 5

Communication which is indirect because most of the meaning is internalized in the person is known as _____ communication.

Accepted Answer

High-context communication relies heavily on the context and non-verbal cues to convey meaning, rather than direct words. This means much of the communication's meaning is understood through implicit messages, shared experiences, and internalized understanding, common in cultures where personal relationships and social hierarchy play a significant role in communication.

Question 6

When the majority of a message is in spoken words, the speaker is probably using a(n) _____ communication style.

Accepted Answer

Low-context communication relies heavily on explicit verbal messages where the speaker uses words to convey the majority of the information.

Question 7

A style of communication in which much of the information is contained in the contexts and nonverbal cues rather than expressed explicitly in words is referred to as _____ communication.

Accepted Answer

High-context communication relies heavily on the context and nonverbal cues for conveying meaning, rather than direct words.

Question 8

The _____ communication style is one in which verbal messages reveal a speaker's true intentions, needs, wants, and desires.

Accepted Answer

The direct communication style is characterized by the straightforward expression of the speaker's intentions, needs, wants, and desires, without the use of ambiguity or evasion.

Question 9

Denise wants a new coat. Instead of asking her mother outright (which would be improper in her family), she openly admires the coats of others. Denise is using a(n) _____ style of communication.

Accepted Answer

Denise is using an indirect style of communication by hinting at her desire for a new coat through admiration of others' coats, rather than stating her wish directly.

Question 10

Many Arabic speakers use rich, expressive language in everyday talk. They probably are using a(n) _____ style of communication.

Accepted Answer

Elaborate style of communication is characterized by the use of rich, expressive language, which is common among many Arabic speakers in their everyday talk.

Question 11

A(n) _____ style of communication emphasizes cooperative communication and sincerity as a basis for human interaction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) _____ style of communication emphasizes cooperative...

Question 12

Howard thinks that relationships are the most important aspect of life. So, if he has information that might disappoint or upset the other person, he may not share it completely. Howard probably prefers a(n) _____ style of communication.

Accepted Answer

Howard's preference for not sharing information that might disappoint or upset the other person suggests he leans towards an indirect style of communication. This approach often involves hinting or implying rather than stating things outright, especially in sensitive situations.

Question 13

Ramona believes in "telling it like it is" with her roommates, even though that means saying negative things sometimes. Ramona is probably using a(n) _____ style of communication.

Accepted Answer

Ramona's approach of "telling it like it is," even when it involves negative comments, aligns with a direct style of communication, where messages are conveyed clearly and straightforwardly.

Question 14

Changing our communication style so that we can be more effective communicators in another culture is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Code switching involves altering one's language, dialect, or speaking style to better fit into a different cultural or social context, which is essential for effective communication across cultures.

Question 15

Darrel is gay and some of his co-workers are aware of this. At work, he uses communication strategies that emphasize trying to fit in and be accepted by a dominant group. He talks about his nephews when his colleagues talk about their kids, and he laughs at some homophobic jokes that he doesn't really feel are funny. Darrel is using a(n) _____ accommodation strategy in order to assimilate.

Accepted Answer

Darrel is using a nonassertive accommodation strategy, as he is trying to fit in and be accepted by not confronting or challenging the dominant group's norms, even if it means compromising his own identity or comfort.

Question 16

Eduardo, a student who uses a wheel chair, goes to great lengths to prove that he is like the other students. He separates himself as much as possible from other people with disabilities and engages in self-ridicule to show that he is humble. Eduardo is using a(n)_____ assimilation strategy.

Accepted Answer

Eduardo's behavior of separating himself from others with disabilities and engaging in self-ridicule indicates an aggressive assimilation strategy, where he tries to fit in by distancing himself from his own group and adopting behaviors that may be harmful to his self-image.

Question 17

Kelsey, who is Jewish, tries to blend with the dominant group at work as much as possible. When they offer her a slice of pizza, she gently declines and delicately points out that her religion tells her that she should not eat the meat of cloven-hoofed animals. Kelsey is probably using a(n) _____ accommodation strategy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kelsey, who is Jewish, tries to blend...

Question 18

Leona, an African American, hears one of her white friends use a phrase that has traditionally been used to disparage blacks. She tactfully educates her friend about the history and meaning of the word because while she doesn't wish to be offended, she also knows he meant no harm. Leona is probably using a(n) _____ accommodation strategy.

Accepted Answer

Leona is using an assertive accommodation strategy by addressing the issue directly and educating her friend, but doing so in a respectful and tactful manner. This approach is assertive because she is standing up for herself and addressing the issue head-on, but without being aggressive or confrontational.

Question 19

Sankaran immigrated to the United States from India as a child. Although he speaks fluent English, he prefers to live, work, and socialize with people who look like himself. Sankaran has chosen to use a(n) _____ separation strategy.

Accepted Answer

Sankaran's preference to live, work, and socialize within his own ethnic group, without actively trying to change the dominant culture or challenging it, is indicative of a nonassertive separation strategy. This approach involves maintaining one's cultural identity by primarily interacting with one's own group and not engaging in conflict with the dominant society.

Question 20

_____ separation strategies (e.g., attacking and sabotaging others) are used by those for whom co-cultural segregation is an important priority.

Accepted Answer

Aggressive separation strategies involve actions such as attacking and sabotaging others, which are used by individuals prioritizing co-cultural segregation.

Quiz 6: Language and Intercultural Communication