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 for
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 get across. 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 their context.