Chat with AIExam 3: A: Communication and Culture
Using a brief narrative example, illustrate how a person might understand how to use language semantically but not grasp how to use those same words on a pragmatic level.
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VerifiedAnswers will vary but should represent a scenario where the individual clearly understands the meaning of a word but does not understand how to use the word correctly. The problem could be related to appropriateness or to a violation of the syntactic rules for the language.
Shawna grew up in a poor inner-city neighborhood but has recently moved to pursue her undergraduate degree at a prestigious university. She's an intelligent woman and works very hard to earn good grades in all of her classes-she was a star among her high school peers. Unfortunately, she finds that many of her professors at the university dismiss her questions and comments in class because of her language use-they just don't seem to understand what she's saying or to recognize the intelligence and insight behind what she offers. Synthesizing what you have learned throughout this chapter, what would you say to Shawna to help her understand the linguistic challenge she has encountered? What can Shawna do to manage this communication problem?
(34) VerifiedIdeal answers will indicate an understanding that Shawna's challenge appears to be in matching her language to the new and unfamiliar context. The language that has served her well in other contexts is not effective and may not be appropriate for this new situation. Strong answers may address the following ideas:
Considering what you have learned throughout this chapter and others, explain why it is important to label the things in our world, including people. Why is labeling problematic?
(22) VerifiedIdeal answers will identify that cognitive language is an instrument of our thought. Combining this idea with the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, we would theorize that if we didn't label the things in our world, it would be difficult for us to think about and make sense of them. Additionally, without the process of labeling the things around us using linguistic symbols, it would be difficult or impossible for us to communicate about them with other people. Strong answers will connect these ideas with the functional competencies discussed in the chapter-we could not gain control/influence over others, share feelings, convey or gather information, imagine, or ritualize. The use of labels is limited, though, because the nature of symbols is that they are arbitrary. Using abstract labels may not communicate an appropriate level of clarity on the denotative level. One word may have multiple denotative meanings, and each person's connotation may be different. Finally, the use of labeling imposes an understanding of consistency on the thing that is being referenced-all items in that group will not be exactly the same, and so we are discouraged from considering each one's unique characteristics.
Synthesizing what you know about the situational context, the relational context, and the cultural context, illustrate how language is bound by, builds on, and creates culture in each context.
(41) Why is the use of abstract language described as a language problem? Why and how would someone intentionally use abstract language to accomplish his or her communication goals?
(41) Explain what we mean when we say that language is symbolic, informed by our thoughts, ruled by grammar, bound by context, and that words have multiple meanings.
(34) Define the concept of politically correct language. How do the principles of cognitive language and the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis illuminate the underlying assumptions of the political correctness movement? What do you understand to be the pros and cons of using politically correct language?
(34) List and explain the five functional communication competencies identified by researcher Barbara Wood.
(38) Describe the differences in men's and women's language use. Why is it useful for us to understand these differences? In what ways is it problematic to define particular language patterns as masculine or feminine?
(39) What are the challenges of using communication technology to communicate verbally? What can we do to manage those challenges? In what ways have technologies like e-mail, chat, and text messaging changed the way we communicate verbally?
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