Ch.3: Language and comm

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

• A system of communication that involves a set of spoken, written, and nonverbal symbols.
• primary means of transmitting cultural concepts and traditions.

Question 2

Syntax

Answer 2

-universal gramatical rules

Question 3

Functions of language (4 functions)

Answer 3

#1) informative
#2) expressive
#3) directive
#4) ceremonial

Question 4

Directive language

Answer 4

• Used to direct or influence action

- Example: “close the window”

Question 5

Expressive language

Answer 5

• Used to bring about an emotional impact on the listener.
• Using emotive words to communicate feelings and attitudes.
• Example: “You have the sweetest smile in the world.”

Question 6

Emotive words

Answer 6

-words used to elicit certain emotions

Question 7

Nonverbal language

Answer 7

• Helps to avoid things being misenterpreted
• use to reinforce verbal communication
• includes images and artwork to convey feeliings and ideas

Question 8

Denotative meanings

Answer 8

• expresses the properties of an object that the word is refering to
• same as the lexical, or dictionary meaning

Question 9

Connotative meanings

Answer 9

-includes the feelings and personal thoughts that are elicited on the basis of past experiences and associations

Question 10

Denotative and conotative language

Answer 10

• language = not nuetral; includes feelings, cultural values, influences how we see the world
• language reinforces culturelal concepts

Question 11

Stipulative definitions

Answer 11

• given to new words or terms.
• New meanings to old words
• New words for new things
• ONLY more or less useful

Question 12

Precising definitions

Answer 12

• used to reduce vagueness
• two kinds:
  1) theoretical definitions
  2) operational definitions, used to provide standards in data collection.

Question 13

Theoretical definitions

Answer 13

• used to provide theory
• mostly for special fields (lawyer)
• -EX: “Theoretically, being an adult means to take responsibility for your actions.”

Question 14

operational definitions

Answer 14

• used to provide standards in data collection.
• not used as fact
• Ex: “Operationally, you must be 18 years or older to be considered a legal adult.”

Question 15

Five criteria for evaluating definitions

Answer 15

#1) A good definition should state the essential attributes of the term being defined  
#2) A good definition is not circular  
#3) avoid using the term itself
#4) A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language  
#5) A good definition avoids emotive language

Question 16

Communication Styles

Answer 16

• Assertive
• ->confident, knows limits
• Aggressive
• ->manipulative & controlling
• Passive
• ->agree to avoid confrontation
• Passive-Aggressive
• ->manipulative while avoiding confront.

Question 17

Rhetorical Devices

Answer 17

use psychological persuasion, rather than reason, to persuade others to accept a particular position.

Question 18

euphemism

Answer 18

• Rhetoric
• Using a neutral/positive term to cover up a negative; sugarcoating.
• “Pass away” instead of “die”.

Question 19

Dysphemism

Answer 19

• Rhetorical Devices
• A word or phrase to purposely create a negative impact.
• Ex: “Dropped out” instead of “took leave”

Question 20

Hyperbole

Answer 20

Rhetorical Devices:

-Exaggeration and overstatement (Drama queen/king)

Question 21

Informative

Answer 21

-Used to state what are true or false

Question 22

Lexical definitions

Answer 22

• denotative meanings of the word

- dictionary definitions

Question 23

Persuasive definitions

Answer 23

• use emotive language to influence or persuade others.

- Ex: “Abortion is murder.”

Question 24

Kinds of Rhetorical Devices

Answer 24

• Euphemism
• Dysphemism
• Sarcasm
• Hyperbole