Outline and discuss the fundamental assumptions of the Muted Group Theory.

What will be an ideal response?


The experiences and perceptions of subordinate microcultural groups are often different from those of the dominant cultural group. Microcultural groups often are not able to communicate as freely as the dominant group does. Subordinate microcultural groups do not contribute to the construction of the language of the dominant group. Thus, the language of a particular culture does not benefit its members equally. Yet, the language of the dominant group may not provide the words and symbols representative of the microcultural group’s perceptions and experiences. Thus, because such groups are forced to communicate within the dominant mode of expression, they become “muted.” In essence, the language of the dominant cultural group, which is the preferred language, contributes to the microcultural group’s subordination.

Communication & Mass Media

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Which of the following is/are foundational principle(s) in this textbook?

a. Globalization has a minimal influence on intercultural relations in local contexts. b. Culture is a site of contestation where meaning making is a struggle and not a static entity that remains fixed and stable. c. The study and practice of intercultural communication should be about critical engagement, democratic participation, and social justice. d. Intercultural communication is always situated within specific, local contexts as well as broader global contexts.

Communication & Mass Media

Speaking in a monotone suggests a challenge in the area of ________

A) rate B) volume C) pitch D) sloppy speech

Communication & Mass Media

What has research revealed, regarding homosexual and heterosexual people's motivations for engaging in sexual activity?

A. Gay male research subjects indicated that they engaged in sexual activity for similar reasons as did female heterosexual subjects, i.e., for the expression of emotional closeness. B. Lesbian subjects and male heterosexual subjects agreed in their reasons for engaging in sexual activity, i.e., for conquest and to experience physical gratification. C. Gay and heterosexual male subjects in the study responded similarly, while lesbians and heterosexual female subjects responded similarly. D. All of the above were results from research on this topic.

Communication & Mass Media

Amalia needs to find information from scholarly journals for her persuasive speech on prescription drug shortages. The best resource for her would be a(n)

A. academic database such as JSTOR or Academic OneFile. B. government resource such as USA.gov. C. yearbook such as Facts on File or World Almanac. D. All of these answers are correct. E. Both a yearbook such as Facts on File or World Almanac and a government resource such as USA.gov.

Communication & Mass Media