Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)

1. Each language is different from other languages in its fundamentals and purposes.
2. A language’s lexicon refers to a collection of words and expressions.
3. Different speech communities within a language community may use different words to represent the same phenomenon.
4. An indirect verbal style is characterized by language that openly states a speaker’s intention in a straightforward and unambiguous way.
5. To achieve linguistic sensitivity, only superior dialects must be used.


1. False. While each language is certainly different from the others in some ways, their purposes and fundamentals are the same. In terms of purposes, we use language to label, compare, and define.
2. True. A language is a system of symbols used by people to communicate. Each verbal language consists of a lexicon, a collection of words and expressions.
3. True. Different speech communities within a language community may use different words to represent the same phenomenon. For example, the storage compartment of an automobile is called a trunkin the United States and a boot in England.
4. False. A direct verbal style is characterized by language that openly states a speaker’s intention in a straightforward and unambiguous way. An indirect verbal style is characterized by language that masks the speaker’s true intentions in a roundabout and ambiguous way.
5. False. Linguistic sensitivity is achieved by using language that is inclusive and demonstrates respect for others. Inclusive language does not use words that apply only to one sex, race, or other group as though they represent everyone.

Communication & Mass Media

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