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04. Verbal Messages
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1. Each language is different from other languages in its fundamentals and purposes.
a. True
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Define a language, a dialect, and an idiolect.
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DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
2. A language’s lexicon refers to a collection of words and expressions.
a. True
b. False
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Define a language, a dialect, and an idiolect.
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
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3. Different speech communities within a language community may use different words to represent the same
phenomenon.
a. True
b. False
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
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04. Verbal Messages
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04. Verbal Messages
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04. Verbal Messages
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a. Members of the community use different dialects of the same language.
b. Members of the community speak different languages.
c. Members of the community are centered in the same country.
d. Members of the community communicate largely through sign language.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Define a language, a dialect, and an idiolect.
DATE CREATED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
9. A(n) _____ is a unique form of a general language spoken by a specific culture or co-culture.
a. accent
b. dialect
c. syntax
d. idiolect
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10. Which of the following statements is true of a speech community?
a. It comprises less than 10,000 speakers.
b. It is a small group that speaks a common dialect.
c. It comprises people within a single neighborhood.
d. It is also known as a melting pot for language.
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POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
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11. A(n) _____ is a person’s own personal symbol system that includes and his or her unique pronunciations, grammar,
and syntax.
a. noesis
b. idiolect
c. accent
d. dialect
POINTS: 1
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12. In any language, _____ are arbitrarily chosen symbols used to represent thoughts and feelings.
a. pronunciations
b. idiolects
c. dialects
d. words
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: List the characteristics of language.
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13. For a word to have meaning, it must:
a. be used in a complete sentence.
b. have a literal connection to the thing it represents.
c. be used in all speech communities.
d. stand for a particular object, idea, or feeling.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: List the characteristics of language.
DATE CREATED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
14. George is an octogenarian. Every time he visits his granddaughter, he finds that she uses strange and new words like
YOLO and tweeting. Likewise, his granddaughter misinterprets some of his vocabulary, and both of them end up
explaining their vocabulary to each other. Which of the following characteristics of language is indicated in this scenario?
a. Language is arbitrary.
b. Language is abstract.
c. Language is concrete.
d. Language is constantly changing.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
REFERENCES: List the characteristics of language.
DATE CREATED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
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15. Madison looks up the dictionary to find the meaning of the word “restitution.” In this case, she is looking for the
_____ of the word.
a. indirect meaning
b. metaphorical meaning
c. implicit meaning
d. denotative meaning
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
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DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
16. _____ is the implicit additional meaning we associate with a word.
a. Indication
b. Extension
c. Formation
d. Connotation
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DATE CREATED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
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17. Laura said to Adam, “I need a few suggestions regarding work.” Then, she added, “I need suggestions on how to
compute a quarterly report of the new sales team.” In this scenario, Laura uses _____.
a. denotative language
b. abstract language
c. specific language
d. concrete language
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
REFERENCES: Compose effective verbal messages based on semantic, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic
meanings.
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18. Which of the following statements is true of concrete language?
a. It appeals to the senses.
b. It uses words that impair semantic meaning.
c. It is vague and unclear.
d. It masks the speaker’s true intentions.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
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DATE MODIFIED: 10/9/2017 2:37 PM
19. In which of the following situations will the usage of slang or jargon improve semantics?
a. When the occasion demands familiar language
b. When the audience primarily comprises teenagers
c. When the meaning of the slang or jargon is already defined
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d. When a conversation deals with any topic of human interest
Improving language skills
20. Linguistic sensitivity is achieved:
a. when the language of the elite is used.
b. when more words with implied meaning is used.
c. when words that indicate racial distinctions are avoided.
d. when feminine pronouns are used instead of masculine pronouns.
POINTS: 1
TOPICS: Language and meaning
Demonstrating linguistic sensitivity
21. _____ does not use words that apply only to one sex, race, or other group as though they represent everyone.
a. Concrete language
b. Colloquial language
c. Inclusive language
d. Specific language
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24. Derek was unable to go to work as he had a fever. He informed his boss over a call and his boss asked him to take the
day off. This scenario reflects _____.
a. an argument
b. a monologue
c. a speech act
d. nonverbal communication
POINTS: 1
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25. In the context of the relationship between language and meaning, which of the following is a guideline to improve
pragmatics?
a. Assume the best first.
b. Rationalize that you are protecting your listeners.
c. Provide as much information as possible.
d. Avoid repeatedly linking your messages to the purpose of the conversation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
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04. Verbal Messages
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04. Verbal Messages
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d. pragmatic language
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
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32. Instead of “loyal,” when a speaker adds “I mean, he never criticizes friends behind their backs,” he or she is using
slang
Incorrect
jargon
Incorrect
descriptive details
Correct
idiomatic expression
Incorrect
.
a. slang
b. jargon
c. descriptive details
d. idiomatic expression
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
KEYWORDS: Understand
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33. Idiomatic language
Incorrect
Inclusive language
Correct
Pragmatic language
Incorrect
Specific language
Incorrect
aids in improving linguistic sensitivity.
a. Idiomatic language
b. Inclusive language
c. Pragmatic language
d. Specific language
KEYWORDS: Understand
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34. What is a language? Discuss the various components of a language, and explain the reasons behind distinctions of
communities based on language.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. A language is a system of symbols used by people to communicate. Verbal languages
communicate thoughts and feelings. Each verbal language consists of a lexicon, a collection of words and expressions; a
phonology, sounds used to pronounce words; and syntax and grammar, rules for combining words to form sentences.
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04. Verbal Messages
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ANSWER: Answers will vary. Semantic meaning is derived from the words themselves and how they are arranged
into sentences. Although we learn new words every day, our ability to express our thoughts and feelings and to understand
others is limited by the size and accuracy of our vocabulary.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
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