Deck 2: Histories and Contexts of Communication

Question 1

According to Duck and Pond, talk serves three functions in relationships:

A)Instrumental, polemic, pragmatic
B)Instrumental, expressive, pragmatic
C)Instrumental, indexical, essential
D)Instrumental, essential, minimalist

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The instrumental function that talk serves in relationships means that talk can make things happen.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Explain Kenneth Burke's concept of God and Devil terms in identifying the hidden values behind words.

Answer 3

Kenneth Burke believed that God terms are powerful terms viewed positively in a society, and Devil terms are equally powerful terms that are viewed negatively. For instance, God terms in American society might include liberty and freedom, and Devil terms might include terrorism or communism.

Question 4

The term polysemy refers to:

A)Multiple meanings for the same word
B)Limited meanings for the same word
C)Multiple meanings for multiple words
D)Limited meanings for multiple words

Question 5

The term denotation refers to:

A)Understanding the implications and background behind words
B)The use of language to identify something in a specific or literal way
C)Failing to understand the implications and background behind words
D)The use of language to identify something in a complex and subtle way

Question 6

Explain the difference between positive and negative face wants.

Question 7

The idea of 'face' is something you are only concerned with for yourself and your own image.

Question 8

In casual relationships, we are more likely to use formal, grammatically correct language.

Question 9

Naming is a relatively unimportant process in framing talk.

Question 10

In intimate relationships, we use more personal talk.

Question 11

Explain the connection between naming and thinking expressed by the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

Question 12

Explain the difference between de Saussure's ideas of langue and parole.

Question 13

Intentionality is the assumption that messages are produced intentionally and give insight into the sender's beliefs and thought processes.

Question 14

Having more social frames for communication increases uncertainty.

Question 15

We often define concepts by negation, or by explaining what something is not.

Question 16

The indexical function of talk in relationships means that:

A)Talk can make something happen
B)Talk can indicate something about the nature or status of the relationship
C)Talk can create the essence of the relationship
D)Talk can terminate the relationship

Question 17

Understanding someone's intentions in delivering a message is influenced by:

A)Culture, lack of culture, and acculturation
B)Culture, context, past history and relationship with the other person
C)Context, lack of relational history, and lack of culture
D)Acculturation

Question 18

The term 'facework' refers to:

A)Managing your ability to smile attractively
B)Managing your public image, dignity, and self-respect
C)Managing your complexion
D)Managing your relationship

Question 19

The term connotation refers to:

A)The use of language to identify something in a simple and straightforward way
B)Failing to understand the implications and background behind words
C)The use of language to identify something in a specific or literal way
D)Understanding the implications and background behind words

Question 20

Explain what your text's authors mean by 'conversational hypertext.'

Question 21

Langue is more likely to be used in:

A)Informal settings
B)Close relationships
C)Formal settings
D)Intimate relationships

Question 22

The element of act in Burke's pentad refers to:

A)Where it happened
B)Who was involved
C)What happened in time
D)Why something happened

Question 23

The element of agency in Burke's pentad refers to:

A)Where something happened
B)Who was involved
C)What occurred in time
D)How the act happened

Question 24

The elements of Burke's dramatic pentad used to analyze stories are:

A)Scene, agent, method, medium, message
B)Scene, agent, act, actuality, event
C)Scene, agent, act, agency, plot
D)Scene, agent, act, agency, purpose

Question 25

Which of the following would not constitute an account of one's communication?:

A)Lying
B)Justification
C)Excuse
D)Explanation

Question 26

The way that a speaker emphasizes certain elements of the pentad in telling a story can reveal:

A)The person's perspective on the world
B)The person's excuses for an event
C)The person's failure to communicate
D)The person's ability to deceive

Question 27

The element of agent in Burke's pentad refers to:

A)Where something happened
B)Who was involved
C)What happened in time
D)How the act happened

Question 28

The element of purpose in Burke's pentad refers to:

A)Why the act happened
B)Where the act happened
C)Who was involved
D)What happened in time

Question 29

Strategies that would help establish the credibility of the speaker/agent delivering a message would include:

A)Choosing not to introduce the speaker
B)Telling slightly embarrassing jokes about the speaker
C)Summarizing the person's accomplishments
D)Summarizing the person's limitations

Question 30

The element of scene in Burke's pentad refers to:

A)Where the act happened
B)Who was involved
C)What happened in time
D)How the act happened

Question 31

'High form' in speaking would most likely be:

A)Casual, welcoming and friendly
B)Relaxed and informal
C)Formal and professional
D)Informal and less professional

Question 32

Narratives in relationship talk serve a strategic purpose by:

A)Providing a way to make the conversation more interesting
B)Providing a way to lengthen the conversation
C)Providing a way to summarize the discussion
D)Providing an account or explanation of one's actions

Question 33

Convergence in talk refers to:

A)People speaking in different styles
B)People indicating distance or disliking
C)People speaking in the same style
D)People avoiding closeness or liking