Psychology Semantic Rules Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What is semantics?

The set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language; also, the study of meaning.

What are semantic rules?

Reflect the ways in which users of a language assign meaning to a particular symbol, usually a word.

Which of the following are different forms of semantic misunderstandings? (Select all that apply)

  • Equivocation (correct)
  • Euphemisms (correct)
  • Static evaluation (correct)
  • Relative language (correct)
  • Abstraction (correct)

    • What does equivocation consist of?

    <p>Words that have more than one commonly accepted definition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one use of equivocation?

    <p>Helps people get along by avoiding honesty and clarity that can embarrass both the speaker and the listener.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is relative language?

    <p>Words that gain meaning by comparison.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is static evaluation?

    <p>The mistaken assumption that people or things are constant and unchanging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is abstraction in language?

    <p>Describing problems, goals, appreciations, and requests using vague language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is abstract language?

    <p>Language that is vague and unclear.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is behavioral language?

    <p>Language that refers to specific things people do or say.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the abstraction ladder?

    <p>A range of terms describing an event or object from more abstract to less abstract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are euphemisms?

    <p>Pleasant terms substituted for blunt ones to soften the impact of unpleasant information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Semantics

    • Refers to rules governing the meaning derived from morphemes, words, and sentences within a language.
    • Encompasses the study of meaning in language.

    Semantic Rules

    • Define how language users assign meaning to symbols, typically words.
    • Essential for effective communication; without these rules, meanings can become subjective and unique.
    • Misunderstandings often stem from differing interpretations of the same word.

    Forms of Semantic Misunderstandings

    • Includes equivocation, relative language, static evaluation, abstraction, and euphemisms.

    Equivocation

    • Entails words with multiple accepted definitions, complicating clarification in conversations.
    • Understanding relies heavily on the receiver's interpretation.
    • To minimize misunderstandings, techniques like perception checking and paraphrasing are beneficial.

    Uses of Equivocation

    • Allows for ambiguous interpretations to foster social harmony by avoiding honest but potentially embarrassing clarity.

    Relative Language

    • Requires comparison for meaning; terms like "large" or "small" depend on contextual benchmarks.
    • Miscommunication arises from using relative terms without grounding them in measurable comparisons.
    • Common relative terms often assumed to have clear meanings can lead to significant misunderstandings.

    Static Evaluation

    • Involves the misconception that people or things are constant; typically employs the verb "IS".
    • Asserts fixed traits, while a more accurate framing acknowledges potential change (e.g., "I am shy" vs. "I haven't approached new people here").

    Abstraction

    • Varies in specificity of language when describing concepts, problems, or requests.
    • Consists of different categories: abstract language, behavioral language, and the abstraction ladder.

    Abstract Language

    • Characterized by vagueness and lack of clarity in meaning.

    Behavioral Language

    • Specifically describes actions or speech of individuals, offering clarity.

    Abstraction Ladder

    • Represents a spectrum from highly abstract to highly specific terms related to an event or object.
    • Overly abstract language may lead to generalizations and stereotyping, undermining interpersonal relationships.

    Euphemisms

    • Employ pleasant terms in place of blunt language to soften harsh realities.
    • Can obscure the truth and create ambiguity in communication.
    • Strives to convey difficult subjects gently while maintaining clarity and integrity.

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    Description

    Explore the essential concepts of semantics and semantic rules through this set of flashcards. These cards will help you understand how meaning is derived in language and the importance of shared symbols in communication.

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