Chapter 6: What is the Connection Between Verbal Communication and Culture (copy)

What is the primary role of language in culture?

Language passes on culture from one generation to the next.

What distinguishes human language in terms of its system?

Human language is an arbitrary, symbolic system that labels and categorizes various phenomena.

What does the concept of arbitrariness in language imply?

It means that graphic representations and sounds are not inherently connected to the objects they represent.

How does abstractness contribute to human language?

It allows individuals to engage in abstract or hypothetical thinking.

What is meant by creativity in language use?

After learning linguistic structures, individuals can create new terms to represent reality.

What is denotative meaning?

Denotative meaning refers to the objective or dictionary definition of a word.

Define connotative meaning.

Connotative meaning is the subjective, interpretive, or emotional association that a word carries.

What is syntactical rule in the context of language?

Syntactical rules refer to the sequencing of words in accordance with the grammatical practices of a linguistic community.

Explain morphological rules in language.

Morphological rules involve the combinations of sounds that create meaningful words.

What are pragmatic rules in language?

Pragmatic rules govern how language is used in context, including in-group speech codes.

What does phonological rule pertain to?

Phonological rules refer to the different procedures for combining phonemes to form words.

What function does language serve in terms of social change?

Language can highlight certain cultural aspects while rendering others less visible.

What is an example of gendered language making certain experiences invisible?

The use of generic 'HE' elevates male experiences while minimizing female experiences.

How does gender/sex neutral language differ from traditional gendered language?

It uses terms like partner or server to avoid gender specificity and promote inclusivity.

What is a linear worldview in cultural context?

A linear worldview emphasizes analytic thinking based on objective reality.

Explain a relational worldview.

A relational worldview emphasizes connected thinking based on contextual realities.

How does everyday language reflect a speech community's values?

Everyday language mirrors what a community values and prioritizes in their communication.

How does the Socio-Cultural experience manifest in U.S. language?

U.S. sports metaphors illustrate corporate culture and societal values.

What characterizes individualistic language orientation?

It uses terms like 'I', 'me', and emphasizes self-concern.

What is collectivism in language orientation?

Collectivism uses terms like 'we', 'our', emphasizing community and group identity.

What does the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis propose?

It suggests that language, thinking, and culture intersect and that language shapes our thinking.

What is the Group Membership Identity Function of language?

Language serves as a rallying point for shared identity and solidarity among group members.

Explain Communication Accommodation Theory.

It describes how individuals adapt their communication style for social approval or to assert group identity.

What characterizes low-context communication?

Low-context communication expresses intentions explicitly through verbal messages.

How does high-context communication differ from low-context communication?

High-context communication relies on contextual and non-verbal channels rather than explicit verbal messages.

What is meant by an indirect communication style?

An indirect style downplays the self and relies on subtleties and nuances in communication.

Describe a direct communication style.

A direct style asserts clarity and is often transparent, focusing on explicit verbal messages.

In a high-context culture, what role do non-verbal cues play?

Non-verbal cues convey meanings and intentions that supplement the spoken message.

Why is reading between the lines important in high-context communication?

It helps the receiver infer meanings that are not directly stated.

How does language influence cultural perceptions and behaviors?

Language shapes thought patterns and creates distinct conceptual realities across different cultures.