Exam 2: Foundations of Verbal Language

The language of the Piraha tribe of Brazil only has words for the numbers "one" and "two." Three or more are subsumed under a word meaning "many." In a study,they were unable to understand concepts for four or more.This study provided support for the theory of linguistic relativity.

According to the text,doublespeak is an unconscious use of language.

The theory that holds how a person understands the world and behaves in it-based on the language a person speaks-is called _____.

Which of the following is true regarding language?

Is Standard American English descriptive or prescriptive? Explain.

Give examples of the socioeconomic challenges speakers of Nonstandard English face compared with their peers who speak Standard English.

Which theory attempts to explain language acquisition at its earliest stages in an individual's life?

Explain which is more important to you,the message sent or the message received.Based on your response,identify one goal you would like to achieve as a communicator this semester.

Saying,"Suren asked the question" instead of "he asked the question" is an example of _____ language.

The text provides two theories on how we acquire our language,values,and beliefs.Briefly name and describe both theories.Then,using yourself as an example,explain how your language,values,and beliefs were acquired.

Though some say that there is no such thing as "Standard American English," most contend that it is the generally accepted pattern of pronunciation,semantics,and syntax.

Jim is from New York and decided to attend college in Maryland.When he arrived,he noticed that natives of the Maryland area pronounced many words differently from him.Which two elements was he experiencing?

During the President's State of the Union Address,she discussed problems the United States is facing,such as the unemployment and rising economic inequality.Before the speech,the media reported that what the President focused on in her speech would determine whether people would still support her.What type of language did the President use to gain the public's support?

Languages are comprised solely of verbal symbols.

The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis is also known as the _____.

Define the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis, (also called Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis),and give an example of its operation.

"Nice to meet you" is an example of _____ language.

Words in and of themselves are inherently meaningful.

Denotations' meanings are the direct,explicit meanings of words such as those found in a dictionary.

English is the legal language of the United States.