Chapter 4

Question 1

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:

Answer 1

The idea that language shapes thought and perception, and that different languages influence the way people experience the world.
Example: In some languages, there are multiple words for snow, leading speakers of those languages to perceive snow more distinctly than English speakers.

Question 2

Haptics:

Answer 2

The study of communication through touch.
Example: A handshake in a business setting to show professionalism or respect.

Question 3

Linguistic Anthropology:

Answer 3

The study of language in its social and cultural context, and how it shapes and is shaped by human behavior.
Example: Investigating how language influences social identity and power dynamics in different societies.

Question 4

Phonemes:.

Answer 4

The smallest units of sound in a language that can change meaning.
Example: Changing the “p” in “pat” to “b” makes “bat” with a different meaning.

Question 5

Pidgin:

Answer 5

A simplified language that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different languages.
Example: The pidgin language used in trade between Europeans and Africans during colonization.

Question 6

Dialect:

Answer 6

A regional or social variety of a language with distinct vocabulary and grammar.
Example: British English vs. American English or Southern English vs. Northern English

Question 7

Code-Switching

Answer 7

Switching between languages or dialects depending on the context.
Example: A bilingual person switching between Spanish and English when talking to different family members.

Question 8

Non-verbal Communication:

Answer 8

Communication that occurs without words, including body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
Example: A raised eyebrow to show skepticism or confusion.

Question 9

Morphemes:

Answer 9

The smallest units of meaning in a language.
Example: “Un-“ in “unkown” or “-ed” in “walked.”