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Question
Your text has made the suggestion that generally positive forms of language, like humor, can sometimes have negative consequences, and that generally negative forms of language, like profanity, can sometimes be positive. This point illustrates how much the effects of language depend on the context in which it is used. In a short essay, explain this point by using concrete examples of humor and profanity (as both positive and negative). Then, extend your discussion to the other forms of speech discussed in the chapter, including euphemism, slang, libel, slander, and hate speech. It is true that each of these forms of language could have either positive or negative effects, depending on the context?
Answer
Answers will vary
Related questions
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In every measurable way, women are more emotional than men.
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Your text discusses the confirmation bias as a barrier to effective informational listening, but it can actually be a barrier to critical and empathic listening as well. Explain what the confirmation bias is, and then use concrete examples to illustrate how it can impair each type of listening: informational, critical, and empathic.
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Critical listening is more passive than informational listening.
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Which of the following techniques will NOT help people improve their empathic skills?
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Rachel finished her oral exam in her Spanish class and her teacher, Seora Lopez, evaluated her performance. Although Rachel did well on the exam and most of Seora Lopez's comments were positive, Rachel only focused on the negative critiques and felt very bad about her performance. Rachel just engaged in which of the following behaviors?
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Which of the following items was not identified in your textbook as a demographic characteristic?
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B. ethnic background
C. sexual orientation
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Which of the following statements about facial or vocal expressions of emotions is factually incorrect?
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B. Facial expressions of emotion are fairly consistent across cultures.
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According to Edward T. Hall, this range of this type of distance is approximately 1 to 4 feet:
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When people get excited or aroused, this usually happens to their voice:
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Saying that someone has been "let go" instead of "fired" is an example of which language behavior?
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One cultural myth about communication is that it can solve any relational problem. Offer reasoned speculation as to why people believe that idea. Do our shared social experiences lead us to think communication is a cure-all? How is that idea reinforced in our society? What role do the mass media play in perpetuating that idea? Finally, offer a brief but reasoned argument refuting this myth.
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Having empathy means feeling sorry for someone else.