Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are words considered to be?
What are words considered to be?
Words have a natural connection to what they represent.
Words have a natural connection to what they represent.
False
What does it mean by 'totalizing' in communication?
What does it mean by 'totalizing' in communication?
When we respond to people as if one part of their identity is all we see in them.
How can language influence our perceptions?
How can language influence our perceptions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one way profanity is perceived in communication?
What is one way profanity is perceived in communication?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these is considered a 'light side' of profanity?
Which of these is considered a 'light side' of profanity?
Signup and view all the answers
Language allows us to hold onto and reflect on ______ ideas.
Language allows us to hold onto and reflect on ______ ideas.
Signup and view all the answers
What is static evaluation in communication?
What is static evaluation in communication?
Signup and view all the answers
What characteristic of words highlights the absence of a natural connection between the symbol and what it represents?
What characteristic of words highlights the absence of a natural connection between the symbol and what it represents?
Signup and view all the answers
Which term describes an assessment that suggests something is unchanging or fixed?
Which term describes an assessment that suggests something is unchanging or fixed?
Signup and view all the answers
How can cultural values be reflected through language?
How can cultural values be reflected through language?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an example of totalizing in communication?
What is an example of totalizing in communication?
Signup and view all the answers
Which aspect of language allows for the expression of ideas that do not currently exist?
Which aspect of language allows for the expression of ideas that do not currently exist?
Signup and view all the answers
What can unique individual experiences lead to regarding word meanings?
What can unique individual experiences lead to regarding word meanings?
Signup and view all the answers
How does language influence relationships between people?
How does language influence relationships between people?
Signup and view all the answers
Which communication strategy is more effective when expressing feelings?
Which communication strategy is more effective when expressing feelings?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential problem associated with using vague language?
What is a potential problem associated with using vague language?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one significant role that language plays in cultural interactions?
What is one significant role that language plays in cultural interactions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is considered a masculine behavior?
Which of the following is considered a masculine behavior?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary orientation of feminine speech communities?
What is the primary orientation of feminine speech communities?
Signup and view all the answers
According to social learning theory, how do individuals learn gender behaviors?
According to social learning theory, how do individuals learn gender behaviors?
Signup and view all the answers
Which term refers to the view that focuses on literal information in a message?
Which term refers to the view that focuses on literal information in a message?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of feminine behaviors?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of feminine behaviors?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect does instrumental orientation emphasize in masculine communication?
What aspect does instrumental orientation emphasize in masculine communication?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Words As Symbols
- Words are representations or symbols for things but have no inherent connection to those things
- The relationship between a word and its meaning is arbitrary and can change over time
- Words are influenced by our perceptions, and our perceptions are shaped by words
- People in the same culture have a general understanding of word meanings
Ambiguity of Words
- Because people have unique experiences, words have a range of meanings that most members of a culture agree upon
- This ambiguity is useful for communication, but it can also lead to misunderstandings
Static Evaluation
- Static evaluation is when someone assesses something as fixed or unchanging
- Example: Saying "You're so disrespectful" implies that the person is always disrespectful
I vs. You Language
- Using "I" language focuses on personal feelings rather than blaming the other person
- Example: Instead of "You're so disrespectful," say "I feel disrespected when you..."
Totalizing
- Totalizing is when we reduce a person to one aspect of their identity
- This can lead to prejudice and discrimination
Language and Culture
- The words and phrases used in a culture reveal cultural values
- Example: The way time is perceived in American culture vs. Korean culture
Language Shapes Perception
- The words we use can reveal our feelings and influence how we perceive people, places, and situations
- Example: The language used by satisfied vs. unsatisfied couples
Language For Abstract Thought
- Language allows us to think about abstract ideas and hypothetical concepts
- Examples: freedom, integrity, equality, the past, the future
- This ability fosters growth as individuals and societies
Profanity: Dark Side
- Profanity is often considered offensive
- It is often associated with negative emotions like anger and rage
- It is linked to verbal aggression and can be used to abuse
- It can increase feelings of distress during conflict
Profanity: Light Side
- Younger people use profanity to assert their independence
- Profanity can bond people together
- It can be used to release tension and emphasize strong feelings
- It may increase pain tolerance
Words are Symbols
- Words are representations (symbols) of something, not the thing itself
- Words are abstract and influence our perceptions
- Our perceptions influence the words we choose
- Words are arbitrary, no natural connection between the word and what it represents
- The meaning of words can change over time
Words are Ambiguous
- Words have a range of meanings
- Most members of a culture agree on the meaning of words, however, unique experiences can lead to individual interpretations
Words Have Weight
- Words have power, and the choice of words can affect how we perceive others, the world, and ourselves
- Using specific language can help us communicate clearer and more effectively
- Avoid static evaluations, instead, focus on how we feel and our personal perspective
- Instead of using “you” language, focus on “I” language, describing how the other person’s action makes you feel
- Avoid making totalizing statements, that reduce individuals to a single characteristic
Language and Culture
- The words and phrases used in a culture can reveal cultural values
- Examples include:
- American culture views time as commodity and talks about it as such
- Korean culture refers to a parent as “____’s mom” rather than by name
- Japanese culture introduces oneself last name first, first name last
- Cultural differences affect many aspects of communication
Language and Perception
- Words can reveal our feelings
- The words we use can influence the way we perceive the world
- Examples include:
- Restaurant descriptions affect how we perceive food dishes
- The language used by satisfied and dissatisfied couples, differs significantly
- “Political speak” is an example of language used to influence perceptions
- Labels for different groups, both preferred and offensive, can affect perceptions
Language and Thought
- Language allows us to hold onto and reflect on abstract ideas (freedom, integrity, equality)
- Language allows us to conceptualize things that don't currently exist, past and future
- Our ability to think abstractly helps us grow as individuals and as a society
Masculine Behaviors and Expectations
- Assertive, dominant, and goal-oriented
- Action-oriented and independent
- Emotionally reserved and focus on success
- Competitive, strong, and hyper-sexual
- Societal expectations often discourage feminine traits
Feminine Behaviors and Expectations
- Nurturing, dependent, and submissive
- Focus on relationships and emotional expressiveness
- Domestic, supportive, and communicative
- Emphasizes physical attractiveness
Social Learning Theory and Gender Roles
- Individuals learn masculine or feminine behaviors during childhood through external stimuli.
- This learning process is influenced by:
- Parents
- Friends and peers
- Media
Gendered Speech Communities
- Masculine and feminine speech communities have distinct levels of meaning and orientations.
-
Levels of Meaning:
- Content: Literal information in a message.
- Relational: What the message signifies about the relationship.
-
Orientations:
- Instrumental Orientation: Closeness through doing.
- Expressive Orientation: Closeness through dialogue.
- Masculine speech communities often prioritize instrumental orientation, while feminine speech communities prioritize expressive orientation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the key concepts that govern how we understand and use words as symbols in communication. This quiz delves into the ambiguity of language, static evaluations, and the importance of 'I' statements versus 'you' statements. Test your knowledge on how these principles impact interpersonal relationships.
