Exam 3: Understanding Verbal Messages

Arman wants to be sure that Josh understands his message, so he uses the dictionary meaning of a particular word. In this case, Arman is using which meaning?

Kevin uses words like "councilman and mailman" even though he knows not everyone in these jobs is a man. Kevin is using _____ language.

Polarization is the tendency to describe something in terms of the middle ground.

Briefly explain the importance of studying language.

Abstract language is easier to understand than concrete language.

Language is given structure through the use of _____.

Whenever Mason wanted to talk about something serious with his girlfriend, she refused and told him to "relax." This made him angry as he felt like she was telling him his thoughts weren't worthy. In this instance, "relax" is a _____ word.

The context for communication is NOT important in determining the meaning.

One person describes arriving "early" as 15 minutes before class and another describes "early" as 5 minutes before class. The discrepancy in the understanding of the word "early" is known as _____.

When people learn a system of knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs, values, rules, and norms that are shared and shaped from one generation to the next, they are learning a _____.

While unheard of just a few years ago, the word "google" is now commonly used in conversations. New words that are introduced into a language are called _____.

Using masculine language to describe all people is known as generic language.

Andrea was trying to tell her roommate Chris about the difficulty she has been having in her geography class. Chris interrupted, "Believe me I've seen it before, and if you go on whining the way you are instead of working harder, you are never going to pass this class!" Rewrite this statement using supportive language and explain the language that makes it be supportive.

The denotative meaning of the word "home" can be found in the dictionary.

Your book recommends minimizing the use of abstract words when you are trying to clarify a message.

Rachel urged her Aunt Sandy to donate a large sum of money to a local club where Rachel was a member, by saying, "The club would be able to help more people in the community." Rachel knew that if she could bring in the most donations she would win an all-expenses-paid trip to California. Rachel's communication was _____.

A word, sound, gesture, or visual image that represents a thought, concept, object, or experience is called a _____.

By using _____ language, a speaker becomes more other oriented, which will have a positive effect on his or her relationships.

Tara was confused when her husband said his office felt like a zoo and everyone was running around like crazy trying to get things done. Tara remembered going to the zoo as a child with her parents and enjoying the animals in a peaceful setting. This situation demonstrates the _____ meaning of words.

The rules and standards that structure language are known as _____.