Verbal Communication Flashcards

1
Q

Verbal Language

A

a symbol system composed of words

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2
Q

Functions of Words (6)

A
  1. Stand for/refer to things in the world
  2. Perform actions
  3. Evoke emotions
  4. Reduce uncertainty
  5. Express complex ideas
  6. Promotes human contact
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3
Q

Function 1: Stand for/refer to things in the world

A

-arbitrary symbols used by a culture to express things
-onomatopoeias are exceptions (ex: book, crash), different languages have different onomatopoeias
-there are problems with this function

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4
Q

Problems with the functions of words standing for/referring to things in the world (7)

A

(BAR LESS)
1. Bypassing
2. Abstraction
3. Relative Language
4. Language is limited vs. Unlimited Reality
5. Euphemism
6. Static Evaluation
7. Subcultural Differences in the use of language

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5
Q

Bypassing

A

Bypassing: the same word can mean different things or different words can mean the same thing
-equivocation
Ex: “Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers” news headline

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6
Q

Equivocation (part of bypassing)

A

words with more than one commonly accepted definition

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7
Q

Abstraction

A

Abstraction: generalizations of similarities between things and people
-giving minimal information would be abstract
-being overly abstract can lead to confusion, to avoid problems of abstraction you should be specific
-includes stereotypes
-there is a ladder of abstraction (answering with less to more information)
Ex: When asked “Where are you studying communication?”, an overly abstract answer would be “In a room”, whereas “in a lecture hall at UCLA” would be more specific

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8
Q

Euphemism

A

Euphemism: pleasant term substituted for a blunt one in order to soften information
-the challenge is to be as kind as possible without sacrificing the integrity or accuracy of the message
Ex: “senior citizens” vs “old people”, “he passed” instead of “he died”

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9
Q

Relative Language

A

Relative language: words that gain meaning by comparison
-without comparison, there could be confusion
- Ex: “I go to a small college compared to Ohio State.” To just say a “small college” would be subjective

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10
Q

Static Evaluation

A

static evaluation: using words that make reality seem more concrete and static than it actually is
-to avoid this problem, it is best to attach a time
- Saying “John is boring” creates a static image of John as a boring person when he actually isn’t. Instead, it would be better to say “John was boring at lunch yesterday.”

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11
Q

Language is limited vs. unlimited reality

A

-there are more distinctions in reality than words available
- the 1 million words in the English language must be used to express billions of things

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12
Q

Subcultural Differences in the Use of Language

A

-can be different subcultures within the same language, regional differences
-what’s popular in a subculture can spread, but it is a problem when it doesn’t because it reduces clarity between people from different regions
Ex: “I’m feeling puny” in Atlanta means “I’m not feeling well.”

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13
Q

Words can perform actions

A

-words can be an expression of emotions
-Ex: cursing can be a part of anger, singing can be a part of happiness
-Ex: Saying “I do” in a marriage ceremony performs the act of officially uniting people into marriage

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14
Q

Evoke Emotions

A

Ex: racial slurs can make you upset
Ex: emotional response to hearing “I love you”

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15
Q

Reduce Uncertainty

A

used to clarify

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16
Q

Express complex ideas

A

-key for solving problems and exploring relationships
-to express opinions and judgments

17
Q

Promotes human contact

A

brings people together