COM 252 – Interpersonal Communication
This handout represents things of particular interest, but does not necessarily represent EVERYTHING that you will
need to know for the exams. Be sure that you understand the following concepts, can give examples of them, and
recognize them in situations. You will want to carefully read the chapter and review the material discussed in class.
This handout is designed to help you review some of the key aspects.
Chapter 5 – Language: Barrier & Bridge
What does it mean to say that language is subjective & symbolic?
Describe the rules that govern language.
______________ rules.
Example:
______________ rules.
Example:
______________ rules.
Example:
______________ rules.
Example:
Explain Ogden & Richard’s Triangle of Meaning.
Discuss the various impacts that language has.
Explain the language of responsibility.
“It” language –
Example:
“But” language –
Example:
Questions –
Example:
“I” & “you” language –
Example(s):
“We” language –
Example:
Describe the three forms of disruptive language.
What is the relationship between language use and gender?
What is the relationship between language use and culture?
Key Terms
Abstraction ladder
Abstract language
Ambiguous language
Behavioral language
“But” statements
Connotation
Convergence
Denotation
Divergence
Emotive language
Equivocal language
Euphemism
Factual statement
High-context cultures
“I” language
Inferential statement
“It” statement
Linguistic relativism
Low-context cultures
Opinion statement
Phonological rules
Powerless speech mannerisms
Pragmatic rules
Relative language
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
Semantic rules
Static evaluation
Syntactic rules
“We” language
“You” language