Interplay Book - Chapter 5

Question 1

Abstraction ladder

Answer 1

a model that shows how we can use a range of specific to abstract terms for describing an object, event, or situation

i.e.
specific: thanks for washing the dishes, vacuuming the rug, and making the bed
abstract (high level) : thanks for cleaning

Question 2

Ambiguous language

Answer 2

language that consists of words and phrases that have more than one commonly accepted definition

Question 3

Assertiveness

Answer 3

clearly expressing their thoughts, feelings and wants

Question 4

“But” statement

Answer 4

statement that cancel the preceding thought

i.e.
you’re cool but we don’t want you here

Question 5

Convergence

Answer 5

the process of adapting one’s speech style to match that of others with whom one wants to identify

Question 6

Divergence

Answer 6

speaking in a way that emphasizes their differences

Question 7

Euphemism

Answer 7

are innocuous terms substituted for blunt ones

i.e.
She passed away (vs she died)

Question 8

Evaluative language

Answer 8

(emotive language) language that seems to describe something but really announces the speaker’s attitude toward it

i.e.
Approve: thrifty, traditional, extrovert
Disapprove: cheap, old-fashioned, loudmouth

Question 9

“I” language

Answer 9

statements that clearly identifies the speaker as the source of the message

i.e. 
assertive "I" Statements
1) describes behavior
2) describes feeling
3) describes consequence

Question 10

“It” statement

Answer 10

statements that replace the personal pronouns “I” with “me” with the less immediate construction “it’s”.

it statements avoid ownership of a message

i.e.
It’s not okay - vs - I don’t think it is okay

Question 11

Linguistic relativity

Answer 11

a notion that a language both reflects and shapes the worldview of those who use it

i.e.
Lao: respectful term in Mandarin
These people may be more respectful to elders because this word exists in their language

Question 12

Phonological rules

Answer 12

rules that govern how sounds are combined to form words

Question 13

Politeness

Answer 13

communicating in ways that save face for both senders and receivers

Question 14

Powerful language

Answer 14

direct and forceful word choices, with declarations and assertions

i.e.
(I won’t, I will)

Question 15

Powerless language

Answer 15

tentative and indirect word choices, with hedges and hesitations

i.e.
(excuse me, sir, I guess, okay?)

Question 16

Pragmatic rules

Answer 16

rules which tell us what uses and interpretations of a message are appropriate in a given context

i. e.
boss: I want to see you (negative)
gf: I want to see you (loving)
friend: Hey bitch (endearing)
stranger: Hey bitch (negative)

Question 17

Racist language

Answer 17

reflects a worldview that classifies members of one racial group as superior and other as inferior

Question 18

Relative language

Answer 18

language that gains meaning by comparison

Question 19

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

Answer 19

the best-known declaration of linguistic relativity

i.e.
The Hopi language, and how they spoke in motion, verbs, constantly changing - vs - English who speak in still frames

Question 20

Semantic rules

Answer 20

rules that govern the meaning of a language as opposed to its structure

i.e.
“bikes” are for riding and “books” are for reading.
because that’s the meaning we have given it

Question 21

Sexist language

Answer 21

includes words, phrases, and expressions that unnecessarily differentiate between females and males or exclude, trivialize, or diminish either sex

Question 22

Syntactic rules

Answer 22

rules that govern the way symbols can be arranged

Question 23

“We” language

Answer 23

implies the issue is the concern and responsibility of both the speaker and receiver of a message

Question 24

“You” language

Answer 24

statements that express a judgment of the other person

i. e.
positive: You did a great job
negative: You left this place a mess