Term | Definition |
language | a structured system of symbols used for communicating meaning |
denotative meaning | the literal meaning of a word |
connotative meaning | the ideas or concepts a word suggests in addition to its literal definition |
ambiguous language | words that can more than one meaning |
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis | a theory that language shapes a person's views of reality |
credibility | the extent to which others perceive us to be competent and trustworthy |
cliches | words or phrases that were novel at one time but have lost their effect owing to overuse |
dialects | language variations shared by people of a certain region or social class |
equivocation | language that disguises the speaker's true intentions through strategic ambiguity |
weasel words | words or phrases intended to mislead listeners by implying something they don't actually say |
allness statements | a statement implying that a claim is true without exception |
gossip | informal, and frequently judgmental, talk about people who are not present |
criticism | the act of passing judgment on someone or something |
threat | a declaration of the intention to harm someone |
persuasion | the process of convincing people to think or act in a certain way |
anchor-and-contrast approach | a persuasion technique by which one precedes a desired request with a request that is much larger |
norm of reciprocity | the expectation that favors are reciprocated |
social validation principle | the idea that people will comply with requests if they believe that others are also complying |
euphemism | a vague, mild expression that symbolizes and substitutes for something blunter or harsher |
slang | informal and conventional words often understood only within a particular group |
jargon | technical vocabulary of a certain occupation or profession |
defamation | language that harms a person's reputation or image |
profanity | language considered to be vulgar, rude, or obscene |
hate speech | language used to degrade, intimidate, or dehumanize specific groups of people |
I-statement | a statement that claims ownership of the communicator's feelings or thoughts |
you-statement | a statement that shifts responsibility for the communicator's feelings or thoughts to the other party in the communication |