Test Bank Answers 15th Edition Ch.6 Language

Chapter 6: Language

Test Bank

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 1

1) The Stroop effect illustrates the influence of ____________ on perception.

Feedback:Naming the color of a printed word is more difficult when the word and the color don’t match. Known as the Stroop effect, it demonstrates how language is basic to our view of the world.

Page reference:6.1 The Nature of Language (Introduction)

a.language

b.self-concept

c.gender

d.culture

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 2

2)In English, the word for 20 is “twenty,” but in Spanish, it is “veinte.” This difference illustrates that language is ____________.

Feedback:Language consists of arbitrary symbols that have no meaning in themselves. The connection between a spoken word and the object or concept it represents is neither necessary nor inherent, which explains why languages use different words for the same things.

Page reference:6.1.1 Language Is Symbolic

a.rule-governed

b.subjective

c.symbolic

d.syntactic

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 3

3) The Stars Wars character Yoda is famous for statements such as “Powerful you have become; the dark side I sense in you.” Yoda is known for playing with what kind of linguistic rules?

Feedback:Syntactic rules govern the order of words.

Page reference: 6.1.2 Language Is Subjective

a.Pragmatic

b.Semantic

c.Phonological

d.Syntactic

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 4

4) Janelle considers herself a survivor of domestic abuse rather than a victim, a term she prefers for its __________ meaning.

Feedback:Janelle prefers the connotations of survivor, the empowering feelings the word evokes.

Page reference:6.1.2 Language Is Subjective

a.relational

b.paralinguistic

c.denotative

d.connotative

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 5

5) After overhearing one person say to another, “I think we should break up,” you expect a serious conversation to follow, but instead, they laugh and chat happily of other things. Clearly, this couple shares cues and experiences that shape their interpretation of what was said. In other words, they have their own __________ rules.

Feedback:People in individual relationships create their own sets of pragmatic rules that tell them what uses and interpretations of a message are appropriate in a given context.

Page reference:6.1.2 Language Is Subjective

a.pragmatic

b.semantic

c.phonological

d.syntactic

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 6

6) The dictionary meanings, or __________, of a word like “home,” are often less important than its connotations, the feelings it evokes.

Feedback:Denotations, or dictionary meanings, are often less important than connotations, the feelings a word invokes.

Page reference: 6.1.3 Language Is Rule-Governed

a.equivocations

b.denotations

c.proxemics

d.chronemics

Type: multiple choice question SCENARIO

Title: Chapter 6 Question 7

7) Your uncle is offended when you call him “sick,” which you meant as a compliment. This misunderstanding is due to the __________ nature of language.

Feedback:Because language use isn’t objective and universal but subjective and personal, problems arise when people interpret the meaning of a message differently.

Page reference:6.1.3 Language Is Rule-Governed

a.subjective

b.objective

c.transactional

d.linear

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 8

8) Which theory explains why bilingual speakers seem to think differently when they change languages?

Feedback:The theory of linguistic relativity claims that a language both reflects and shapes the worldview of those who use it.

Page reference:6.1.4 Language and Worldview

a.Communication competence

b.Social exchange

c.Social penetration

d.Linguistic relativity

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 9

9) What does schadenfreude, a term that has no equivalent in English, mean?

Feedback:Schadenfreude is a German word for the pleasure someone derives from another person's misfortune.

Page reference:6.1.4 Language and Worldview

a.The irresistible urge to hug something unbearably cute

b.Sentimental feelings for someone you no longer love

c.The happiness felt while thinking of another’s misfortune

d.Just the right amount, or a balanced life

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 10

10) Edward Sapir’s research on the __________ language discovered that this culture makes no distinction between nouns and verbs, describing the entire world as being constantly in process.

Feedback:Whereas English speakers use nouns to characterize people or objects as being fixed or constant, Sapir discovered that the Hopi language represents them more as verbs, constantly changing.

Page reference:6.1.4 Language and Worldview

a.Hopi

b.Navajo

c.Apache

d.Cherokee

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 11

11) Which of the following statements about naming and identity is TRUE?

Feedback:Popular name options change with time.

Page reference:6.2.1 Naming and Identity

a.People often have positive appraisals of unusual names.

b.In 1900, the 20 most common names for baby girls in the United States included Bertha, Mildred, and Ethel.

c.Researchers have recently begun to study the impact of rare and unusual names on the people who bear them.

d.People often have positive appraisals of unusual name spellings.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 12

12) Unusual names can be a symbol of solidarity with the African American community, whereas less distinctive names can be a form of __________ with the majority culture.

Feedback:Less unique names allow for blending in, or assimilating, with the larger culture.

Page reference:6.2.1 Naming and Identity

a.assimilation

b.power distance

c.divergence

d.code-switching

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 13

13) Speaking in a way that emphasizes similarities is the basis of which strategy?

Feedback:Convergence is the process of adapting one’s speech style to match that of others with whom one wants to identify.

Page reference:6.2.2 Affiliation

a.Euphemism

b.Convergence

c.Divergence

d.Linguistic relativity

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 14

14) When you’re with your friends, your language is colored with slang that you don’t use with your parents. Which strategy does this illustrate?

Feedback:Divergence is a strategy that involves speaking in a way that emphasizes difference from others.

Page reference:6.2.2 Affiliation

a.Ambiguity

b.Assertiveness

c.Linguistic relativity

d.Divergence

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 15

15) A(n) __________ is a type of __________ speech that attempts to distance a speaker from remarks that might be unwelcome.

Feedback:Adisclaimer is a type of powerless speech that attempts to distance a speaker from her or his critical message.

Page reference:6.2.3 Power and Politeness

a.disclaimer; powerless

b.disclaimer; powerful

c.abstraction; powerless

d.abstraction; powerful

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 16

16) Politeness involves communicating in ways that __________ for both senders and receivers.

Feedback:Face-saving speech is a key characteristic of politeness.

Page reference:6.2.3 Power and Politeness

a.intensify emotions

b.increase knowledge

c.save face

d.Involve self-disclosure

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 17

17) Which of the following is an example of language that is neither sexist nor racist?

Feedback:The term police officer does not spotlight sex, gender, or race.

Page reference:6.2.4 Sexism and Racism

a.Working mother

b.Police officer

c.Black surgeon

d.Sportsman

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 18

18) Using the plural “they” is one way of addressing an individual with what kind of identity?

Feedback:The plural pronoun “they” is an alternative pronoun choice for a non-binary individual.

Page reference:6.2.4 Sexism and Racism

a.asexual

b.gendered

c.non-binary

d.binary

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 19

19) Asking for __________ helps address ambiguous language, which consists of words and phrases that have more than one commonly accepted definition.

Feedback:Feedback can help clarify ambiguity, words and phrases with multiple meanings.

Page reference:6.2.5 Precision and Vagueness

a.evaluative

b.feedback

c.relative

d.descriptive

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 20

20) Calling someone big boned rather than obese is an example of what kind of language?

Feedback:Euphemisms are pleasant words substituted for more blunt ones.

Page reference:6.2.5 Precision and Vagueness

a.Evaluative

b.Affiliative

c.Abstract

d.Euphemistic

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 21

21) Which statement avoids ownership of a message?

Feedback:Because “It” statements are imprecise, they help a speaker avoid taking responsibility for a message.

Page reference:6.3.1 Accountable Language

a.It’s a problem.

b.I can’t complete the project.

c.We’re not sure what to do next.

d.You’re a great manager.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 22

22) To increase the clarity of a statement, you should consider replacing __________ with __________.

Feedback:X-but-Y statements can create confusion by negating the X clause. Replacing “but” with “and” lets you acknowledge both parts of the statement without contradicting yourself.

Page reference:6.3.1 Accountable Language

a.and; but

b.but; and

c.we; I

d.I; we

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 23

23) Which category of statements is likely to arouse defensiveness?

Feedback:Positive judgments rarely cause a problem, but critical “you” statements imply that the subject of the complaint is doing something wrong.

Page reference:6.3.2 “I,” “You,” and “We” Language

a.“It” statements

b.“I” statements

c.“But” statements

d.“You” statements

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 24

24) A complete assertive message contains __________ kinds of __________ statements.

Feedback:Assertive messages are composed of three different types of “I” statements: one describes the other person’s behavior; one describes your feelings; and one describes the consequences the other’s behavior has for you.

Page reference:6.3.2 “I,” “You,” and “We” Language

a.3; “We”

b.3; “I”

c.4; “I”

d.4; “We”

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 25

25) Supportive messages for someone sharing a problem tend to be high in __________ pronouns and low in __________ pronouns.

Feedback:Research has found that supportive messages use endorsing, “person-centered” language high in second-person (you/your) pronouns and low in first-person (I/my) pronouns.

Page reference:6.3.2 “I,” “You,” and “We” Language

a.first-person (I/my); third-person (she/he/it)

b.third-person (she/he/it); first-person (I/my)

c.second-person (you/your); first-person (I/my)

d.first-person (I/my); second-person (you/your)

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 26

26) “We” language can help build a constructive communication climate and develop verbal __________.

Feedback:“We” language signals verbal immediacy, a “we’re in this together” orientation.

Page reference:6.3.2 “I,” “You,” and “We” Language

a.immediacy

b.relativity

c.distance

d.intensity

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 27

27) Which example uses language most likely to motivate someone to perform that activity?

Feedback:“Choice” wording, which focuses on decisions made (e.g., will, going to), is more motivating than “obligation” language, which conveys grudging acquiescence (e.g., should, have to).

Page reference:6.3.3 The Language of Choice

a.I have to talk to my neighbor about playing their music so loud.

b.I ought to donate more money to charities.

c.I should eat less junk food.

d.I will exercise more this year.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 28

28) You need a favor. Which statement should follow your request to increase the chance of your friend agreeing to help?

Feedback:People don’t like feeling pressured or having their options limited or prescribed. So when you extend the right of refusal, others are more likely to respond favorably.

Page reference:6.3.3 The Language of Choice

a.You should see how important this is to me.

b.But you are free to say no.

c.This is an urgent request.

d.You have to help me out here.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 29

29) Turning __________ into a __________ facilitates goal achievement.

Feedback:Labeling a goal as a “have to” or “need to” increases emotional stress and decreases the likelihood of achieving it.

Page reference:6.3.3 The Language of Choice

a.don’t have to; have to

b.don’t need to; need to

c.have to; want to

d.want to; have to

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 30

30) Communication scholar Deborah Tannen views women’s communication style as _________ talk, which is __________ oriented.

Feedback:Tannen is well known for contrasting the task-oriented report talk of men with the relationship-oriented rapport talk of women.

Page reference:6.4.1 Extent of Gender Differences

a.relationship; report

b.rapport; report

c.relationship; task

d.rapport; relationship

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 31

31) Which statement is more likely to have been uttered by a woman?

Feedback:Some research indicates that women’s speech is more tentative, elaborate, and emotional.

Page reference:6.4.1 Extent of Gender Differences

a.The CEO really likes our sales pitch, but I’m anxious that she may not be ready to commit yet.

b.Good sales pitch.

c.I am busy all next week working on my sales pitch.

d.I want you to present the sales pitch.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 32

32) What has research revealed about gender differences in communication on Facebook?

Feedback:Facebook research has found that women’s language is more affiliative than men’s language, which is cooler and more impersonal.

Page reference:6.4.1 Extent of Gender Differences

a.Women swear more.

b.Women’s language is more affiliative.

c.Men use more first-person singular pronouns.

d.Men refer more to people in their lives.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 33

33) Many of the language differences that first appear to be sex-related may actually be due to other factors such as __________ and power differences in the relationship.

Feedback:A growing body of research suggests that many of the language differences that first appear to be sex-related may actually be due to other factors such as occupation and power differences in the relationship.

Page reference:6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

a.education

b.occupation

c.biology

d.age

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 34

34) What does research on the online community of Wikipedia indicate about its language use?

Feedback:Researchers concluded that increasing the number of female administrators could help the Wikipedia community grow. Alternatively, administrators should adopt a warmer more personal style that helps build community.

Page reference:6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

a.Editors, who hold a higher rank than administrators, tend to use more neutral, impersonal, and formal words.

b.Administrators tend to use language to form and maintain connections.

c.Male administrators are more relationship oriented than female editors.

d.If the Wikipedia community wants to grow, it should increase the number of female administrators.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 35

35) Which statement is an example of the masculine communication style?

Feedback:Communication researcher Anthony Mulac has found that men are more likely to use sentence fragments, while women’s speech is more elaborate, tentative, and emotional.

Page reference:6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

a.That’s what I think. Do you agree?

b.I got the impression that she really likes our proposal.

c.It seems like the best way to proceed.

d.Good question.

Type: multiple choice question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 36

36) Which of the following statements is TRUE about gender and other influences on language?

Feedback:Power is a factor that can influence language more than gender.

Page reference:6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

a.In gay and lesbian relationships, the conversational styles of partners are more strongly linked to gender than to power differences in the relationship.

b.Male and female managers use speech styles associated exclusively with their own gender.

c.Differences in social status often show up more clearly in language than gender differences.

d.Men use more threatening speech than women when they have the same amount of bargaining strength in a negotiation.

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 37

37) Both sign language and spoken language are symbolic in nature.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.1.1 Language Is Symbolic

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 38

38) Linguists argue that various dialects should be viewed as different rather than deficient forms of English.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.1.1 Language Is Symbolic

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 39

39) It’s not necessary for communicators to understand each other’s intentions for pragmatic rules to work.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.1.2 Language Is Subjective

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 40

40) The Hopi language represents the world rather like a collection of snapshots, whereas the English representation is more like a movie.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.1.4 Language and Worldview

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 41

41) Immigrants to the United States run the risk of being discriminated against because of their non-Anglo names.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.1 Naming and Identity

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 42

42) When two or more people feel equally positive about one another, their linguistic divergence will be mutual rather than one-sided.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.2 Affiliation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 43

43) Swearing can build solidarity and be a term of endearment.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.2 Affiliation

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 44

44) Disclaimers tend to decrease negative judgments of those who use them.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.3 Power and Politeness

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 45

45) Women say “I’m sorry” more often than men.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.3 Power and Politeness

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 46

46) Evasive approaches can be attempts at politeness that save face for both senders and receivers.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.3 Power and Politeness

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 47

47) “Girls are as good as boys at math” is a nonsexist statement.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.4 Sexism and Racism

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 48

48) When assessing whether language is racist, it is better to focus on the sender’s intent than the receiver’s perspective.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.4 Sexism and Racism

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 49

49) Criticism is rated more favorably when delivered in concrete rather than abstract terms.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.2.5 Precision and Vagueness

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 50

50) Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is a best-seller based on extensive scholarly research on gender.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.4.1 Extent of Gender Differences

a. True

b. False

Type: true-false

Title: Chapter 6 Question 51

51) A growing body of research suggests that the linguistic differences that do exist are relatively minor in light of the similarities between the sexes.

Feedback:Type general feedback here (maximum of 1000 characters (including spaces))

Page reference: 6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

a. True

b. False

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 52

52) Identify 4 major characteristics of language.

Feedback:Language is symbolic, subjective, and rule-governed, and it both reflects and shapes the worldview of its user.

Page reference: 6.1 The Nature of Language

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 53

53) What is the theory of linguistic relativity, and how is it related to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

Feedback:The theory of linguistic relativity posits that language both reflects and shapes the worldview of those who use it. Its best known declaration is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Their work on the Hopi uncovered a view of reality dramatically different from how other speakers of other languages view the world.

Page reference: 6.1.4 Language and Worldview

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 54

54) Describe 2 strategies of linguistic affiliation.

Feedback:Convergence is the process of adapting one’s speech style to match that of others with whom one wants to identify. The principle of speech accommodation works in reverse, too. Communicators who want to set themselves apart from others adopt the strategy of divergence, speaking in a way that emphasizes their differences. For example, members of an ethnic group might use their own dialect as a way of showing solidarity with one another.

Page reference: 6.2.2 Affiliation

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 55

55) What is a disclaimer, and why does it often backfire?

Feedback:Adisclaimer is a type of powerless speech that attempts to distance a speaker from remarks that might be unwelcome. It often backfires because it sensitizes listeners to look for—and find—precisely the qualities that the speaker is trying to disavow.

Page reference: 6.2.3 Power and Politeness

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 56

56) Provide a definition for language this is sexist and for language that is racist.

Feedback:Sexist language includes words, phrases, and expressions that unnecessarily differentiate between females and males or exclude, trivialize, or diminish either sex. Racist language reflects a worldview that classifies members of one racial group as superior.

Page reference: 6.2.4 Sexism and Racism

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 57

57) What kind of description clarifies abstract or vague language and thinking?

Feedback:You can clarify your language and thinking by forming behavioraldescriptions, which move down the abstraction ladder to describe specific, observable objects and actions.

Page reference: 6.2.5 Precision and Vagueness

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 58

58) Identify 3 non-gender influences on language use.

Feedback:Non-gender influences on language use include conversation topics, setting or occupation, and power differences in the relationship.

Page reference: 6.4.2 Non-Gender Influences on Language Use

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 59

59) Compare and contrast 4 rules that govern language use, and provide an example of each.

Feedback:

• Phonological rules govern how sounds are combined to form words. For instance, the words champagne, double, and occasion have the same meanings in French as in English, but their pronunciations differ across the two languages because of differing phonological rules.
• Whereas phonological rules determine how spoken language sounds, syntactic rules govern the way symbols can be arranged. The following statements have the same words but different meanings dues to their arrangement: Whiskey makes you sick when you’re well. Whiskey, when you’re sick, makes you well.
• Semantic rules govern the meaning of language as opposed to its structure. These make it possible for us to agree that “bikes” are for riding and “books” are for reading.
• Semantic rules help us understand the meaning of individual words, but pragmatic rules tell us what uses and interpretations of a message are appropriate in a given context. “I want to see you” is likely to mean one thing when uttered by your boss and another entirely when it comes from your romantic partner.

Page reference: 6.1.2 Language Is Subjective

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 60

60) Describe the relationship among powerless language, powerful language, and politeness.

Feedback:

• Powerless language features tentative and indirect word choices, with hedges and hesitations (“Excuse me, sir”; “I guess”; “okay?”). In contrast, powerful language is characterized by direct and forceful word choices, with declarations and assertions (“I won’t”; “I will”).
• Studies have shown that speakers who use powerful speech are rated as more competent, dynamic, and attractive than speakers who sound powerless. Some scholars question the label “powerless,” however, because tentative and indirect speech styles can sometimes achieve goals better than more assertive approaches.
• Evasive approaches can be attempts at politeness: communicating in ways that save face for both senders and receivers. Politeness can be an effective way to get needs met while protecting the dignity of the less-powerful person.
• The importance of achieving both content and relational goals helps explain why a mixture of powerful and polite speech is usually most effective. It’s also important to adapt your style to your conversational partner.

Page reference: 6.2.3 Power and Politeness

Type: essay/short answer question

Title: Chapter 6 Question 61

61) Compare the pros and cons of “I,” “We,” and “You” language, and recommend when it’s best to use each.

Feedback:

• “I” language–Pros: Takes responsibility for personal thoughts, feelings, and wants. Cons: Can be perceived as egotistical, narcissistic, and self-absorbed. Recommendations: Use descriptive “I” messages in conflicts or confrontations when the other person does not perceive a problem. Combine “I” with “we” language in conversations.
• “You” language—Pros: Signals other-orientation, particularly when the topic is positive or when offering support. Cons: Can sound evaluative and judgmental. Recommendation: Avoid during confrontations. Use “You” language when praising or supporting others.
• “We” language—Pros: Signals inclusion, immediacy, cohesiveness, and commitment. Cons: Can speak improperly for others. Recommendations: Avoid when expressing personal thoughts, feelings, and wants. Use in group settings to enhance sense of unity. Combine with “I” language, particularly in personal conversations.

Page reference: 6.3.2 “I,” “You,” and “We” Language