Quiz #3 Flashcards
What is a lexical definition?
Dictionary definition.
What is a stipulative definition?
A new word or a new definition for an existing word
What is a precising definition?
It reduces vagueness. Includes theoretical (used to explain the specific nature of a term) and operational (creates a standardized measure for use in data collection and interpretation)
What is a persuasive definition?
It is used to influence others.
The different styles of communication are…
Assertive
Aggressive
Passive
Passive-Aggressive
What does assertive communication entail?
An assertive person works out ways to solve the problem.
What does an aggressive communicator do?
The person uses a negative approach to “solve” a problem
Ex: They pick a fight with another person, yell at the other person, etc.
What does passive communication entail?
The person does not take action whatsoever to solve a problem.
Passive-aggressiveness entails…
The communicator does not work out a way to solve a problem, but expresses their negative emotions through indirect ways
Ex: complaining behind a person’s back
____ is a system of communication that involves a set of arbitrary symbols.
Language
What is informative language?
Language that is either true or false.
Ex: “Princeton University is located in New Jersey.”
Ex: “Capital punishment does not deter crime.”
What is directive language?
Language used to direct or influence others.
Ex: “Close the windows.”
Ex: “Please meet me after class.”
What is expressive language?
Language that communicates feelings and attitudes.
Ex: Poetry
What are emotive words?
Words that are used to elicit certain emotions.
Ceremonial language is language that…
Is used in particular prescribed formal circumstances.
Ex: “How are you?”
Ex: “I do.”
Ex: “Amen.”
Communication without words
Nonverbal language
A denotative meaning is…
A dictionary definition. Same as lexical definition.
Feelings associated with a particular word. Can vary from person to person.
Connotative meaning
Five criteria for evaluating definitions are…
1) A good definition is neither too broad nor too narrow.
2) A good definition should state the essential attributes of the word/term
3) A good definition is not circular.
4) A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language
5) A good definition avoids emotive language.
___ are the use of euphemisms, dysphemisms, hyperbole, and sarcasm to manipulate and persuade.
Rhetorical devices
Euphemism
The replacement of a term that has a negative association by a neutral or positive term. Can be used to “soften” a harsh word or phrase.
Ex: passed away rather than died
Ex: search and clear rather than search and destroy
Dysphemism
Used to produce a negative feeling
Ex: terrorist, socialism, etc.
Sarcasm
The use of ridicule, insults, taunting, and/or caustic irony. Results in belittling people.
Hyperbole
A rhetorical device that uses an exaggeration.
What is the difference between Noam Chomsky’s theory and Geoffrey Sampson’s theory of language?
Noam Chomsky believed that although there are 6,800 known languages in the world, all human languages use the same basic universal grammatical rules or syntax. Chomsky believes we are born with an innate ability to acquire language.
However, Sampson believes that it is possible for children to learn a language without possessing these inborn rules. He doesn’t believe that all languages use the same grammatical rules of grammar. He believes that children are good at learning quickly and easily in general.
