Select three of the following characteristics of language. In a well-supported answer, address (1) what it means, and (2) why it is important for an effective communicator to understand that concept
A superior answer will contain illustrations that are original and not in the textbook.
Characteristics: (discuss 3) (1) Words are symbols with meanings. (2) Words have denotative and connotative meanings. (3) Words reflect concrete and abstract meanings. (4) Words are culture bound. (5) Words are context bound.
What will be an ideal response
1) Words are symbols with meanings: symbols stand for something else. When you use a symbol, you attach a meaning to it. Others who hear the symbol attach a meaning to it as well. Communicators should be aware of this because this implies the possibility that people will not use the same meanings, or bypass each other's meanings. (2) Denotative meanings are literal meanings that are used by most people who speak the language. Connotative meanings are more personal and subjective. This is an important distinction because our denotative meanings help us communicate more clearly, but sometimes being explicit about our connotative meanings helps others to see a special message we are trying to communicate. Understanding the difference helps us adapt to others. (3) Words reflect abstract and concrete meanings. Concrete meanings are tied to our senses; abstract words are not. If our purpose is to communicate clearly, the more concrete our language, the better chance we have of success. (4) Words are culture bound. We learn our words and the uses of those words from the people in our culture. We should take cultural and co-cultural differences into account with adapting to another person. (5) Words are context bound. We attach a meaning to a word based on the context in which it is used. Therefore, it is important to look at the context to help us (understand the communication of others. In addition, it is important to avoid taking statements out of context.
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It is possible to have a well-intentioned conversation with someone from a different culture and nevertheless end up offending the person due to intercultural misunderstandings. How should one deal with this possibility?
a. Read as much about the person’s culture as possible before meeting with the person. b. Chat online with other people from that person’s culture before meeting with the person. c. Meet with more than one person from the same culture at the same time so they can clear up misunderstandings with each other. d. Try to anticipate all potential sources of misunderstanding and preempt them if possible.
"I only cheated because there was so much homework assigned" is BEST classified as a(n) _____ excuse
A) qualify B) denial C) minimize D) apology
What do your authors mean when they say presentation "aids are there to support your message, not to be your message?" What are some consequences of over reliance on presentation aids?
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
During the _____ step of the systematic group problem-solving method, you might ask questions such as “what must the solution achieve?” or “are there any factors that might limit the choice of solutions?”
a. identify and define a problem b. analyze the problem c. determine criteria for judging solutions d. generate a host of solutions