Chapter 9: Language and Culture

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

A system of communication consisting of sounds and/or gestures.

Question 2

Symbolic language

Answer 2

Is uniquely human

Allow us to communicate with some, but creates barriers with others.

Question 3

Index signs

Answer 3

An emotional expression that carries meaning directly related to the response.

Question 4

Symbol

Answer 4

Something that stands for something else with little or no natural relationship to its referent.

Question 5

Paralanguage

Answer 5

How we express meaning through sounds beyond words.

Question 6

Voice qualities

Answer 6

Background characteristics of a person’s voice.

Question 7

Vocalizations

Answer 7

Intentional sounds humans use to express meaning.

Question 8

Ethnolinguistics

Answer 8

Study of the relationship between language and culture.

Question 9

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

Answer 9

Language shapes people’s perception of the world, because language structures our thoughts.

Question 10

Linguistic determinism (strong)

Answer 10

Language determines thought and can limit the way we think.

Question 11

Weak hypothesis

Answer 11

Language influences thoughts and worldview.

Question 12

Dialects

Answer 12

Forms of a language that are similar enough to be mutually intelligible.