Concepts and Questions
- What is meant by the phrase“Language influ-
ences our view of reality”? - What images come to mind when you hear some-
one speaking English with an accent? Do different
accents create different images? Try to decide why
you form those images? Talk with others to see if
they have the same experience. - Some countries have an official language (or lan-
guages), but others do not. What are the advan-
tages and disadvantages of a country having an
official language? Should the United States have
an official language? Why?
4. Some scholars think the world is moving toward
an “oligarchy” of major economic power lan-
guages. Do you think this would be a good or a
bad occurrence? Why? What will happen to
minority languages, and what will be the result?
5. Do you believe technology helps or hinders inter-
cultural communication?
6. What techniques can you employ that will assist
you when you are in a situation that is employing
an interpreter?
294 CHAPTER 8•Verbal Messages: Exchanging Ideas Through Language
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