{"id":252,"date":"2026-01-09T08:33:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T08:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/?post_type=content&#038;p=252"},"modified":"2026-08-21T09:21:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T09:21:52","slug":"chapter-5","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/","title":{"rendered":"<span>Chapter 5:<\/span> Language and Interpersonal Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3b220daac4097298745413a278dcc671 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ce6857;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><nav style=\"--separator: &quot;\/&quot;\" class=\"wp-block-breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\"><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/\">Chapter Resources<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\"><span>Chapter 5:<\/span> Language and Interpersonal Communication<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-title has-large-font-size\"><span>Chapter 5:<\/span> Language and Interpersonal Communication<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic rules of language use, as well as assumptions that guide using language in conversation. The chapter discusses how the use of language is shaped by the gender of communicators, qualities of relationships, and implicit biases that people i bring in interpersonal communication episodes. Finally, this chapter offers suggestions for harnessing the power of language, working to reduce miscommunication, fine-tuning language use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"aioseo-how-do-you-rate-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Rate?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a788f6d8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#faf2d4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"alignwide wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Try the interactive activity below, or download the form for an accessible and printable version.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fse-isr-plus-2025-flat-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/HDYR-chapter5.zip\" style=\"background-color:#e4bca3;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Download all <em>How Do You Rate?<\/em> assessment forms (zip 69KB)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"aioseo-hdyr-scale-5-1-attitudes-toward-sexist-nonsexist-language-13\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">HDYR Scale 5.1: Attitudes Toward Sexist\/Nonsexist Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-431b1423 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f1f5f6;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-e19a3441029f99487ac4a1576adf61cc has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2a973b5d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:-25px;margin-bottom:-25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h3 id=\"aioseo-multiple-choice\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-extra-small-font-size\">Questionnaire<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#d5e3fa;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">The content for this section has not been posted yet and is coming soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"aioseo-hdyr-scale-5-2-relational-construal-level-19\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">HDYR Scale 5.2: Relational Construal Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-431b1423 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f1f5f6;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-e19a3441029f99487ac4a1576adf61cc has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2a973b5d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:-25px;margin-bottom:-25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h3 id=\"aioseo-multiple-choice\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-extra-small-font-size\">Questionnaire<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#d5e3fa;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">The content for this section has not been posted yet and is coming soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"aioseo-communication-in-action-27\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communication In Action<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fse-isr-plus-2025-flat-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-chapter5.zip\" style=\"background-color:#e4bca3;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Download all <em>Communication in Action<\/em> forms (zip 78KB)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-05-1.docx\" title=\"CIA-05-1\">Download CIA Form 5.1: <em>Exposing Cultural Assumptions about Power<\/em> (docx 37KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-05-2.docx\" title=\"CIA-05-2\">Download CIA Form 5.2: <em>Using Concrete Language<\/em> (docx 28KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-05-3.docx\" title=\"CIA-05-3\">Download CIA Form 5.3: <em>Exploring the Meanings of \u201cHelp\u201d<\/em> (docx 27KB)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"aioseo-connect-with-theory-19\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connect with Theory<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Connect with Theory 5.1: Gender Linked Language Effect<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gender linked language effect<\/strong> explains the effect of linguistic styles of men and women on perception about the communicator. The effect was observed in a series of studies (e.g., Mulac &amp; Lundell, 1980, 1982) where the researchers found that (a) male and female speakers produced different linguistic patterns in their speech, (b) naive raters (who did not know the gender of the speaker) judged the male and female speakers differently, and (c) those raters\u2019 judgments about the speaker were consistent with sex-role stereotypes. For example, in a study where male and female speakers were asked to describe the same landscape photographs to the researcher, Mulac and Lundell (1986) found that male speakers focused more on the objects in the photograph, the location (e.g., Vermont), and spatial reference (e.g., \u201cOn the right side\u201d), whereas female speakers focused more on describing their feelings about the photograph (\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful\u201d) and used longer and more complex sentences than male speakers. Interestingly, male and female speakers were perceived differently by judges (who were not aware of the gender of the speaker) reviewing the speech transcripts, such that women were generally rated higher in socio-intellectual status (e.g., high social status, rich, literate) and aesthetic quality (e.g., pleasing, nice, sweet), whereas men rated higher in dynamism (e.g., strong, aggressive, loud). The gender linked language effect captures the social phenomenon in which the differences in people\u2019s perceptions of the communicator, resulting from language differences, conform to gender stereotypes. This effect has been evident in public speeches, problem-solving interactions, and written essays (Mulac et al., 2013).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References and other suggested readings:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A., Giles, H., Bradac, J. J., &amp; Palomares, N. A. (2013). The gender-linked language effect: An empirical test of a general process model. <em>Language Sciences, 38<\/em>, 22\u201331. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.langsci.2012.12.004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.langsci.2012.12.004<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A., &amp; Lundell, T. L. (1980). Differences in perceptions created by syntactic-semantic productions of male and female speakers. <em>Communication Monographs, 47<\/em>(2),111\u2013118. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637758009376024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637758009376024<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A, &amp; Lundell, T. L. (1982). An empirical test of the gender-linked language effect in a public speaking setting. <em>Language and Speech, 25<\/em>(3),243\u2013256. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F002383098202500303\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/002383098202500303<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A. (2006). The gender-linked language effect: Do language differences really make a difference? In Dindia, K., Canary, D. J. (Eds.), <em>Sex differences and similarities in communication<\/em> (2nd ed., pp. 219\u2013239). Erlbaum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A., &amp; Lundell, T. L. (1986). Linguistic contributors to the gender-linked language effect. <em>Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 5<\/em>(2), 81\u2013101. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0261927X8652001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0261927X8652001<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulac, A., Studley, L. B., Blau, S. (1990). The gender-linked language effect in primary and secondary students\u2019 impromptu essays. <em>Sex Roles, 22<\/em>(9\u201310), 439\u2013470. <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doi\/10.1007\/BF00289762\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007<\/a>&nbsp; Mulac, A., Wiemann, J. M., Widenmann, S. J., Gibson, T. W. (1988). Male\/female language differences and effects in same-sex and mixed-sex dyads: The gender-linked language effect. <em>Communication Monographs, 55<\/em>(4), 315\u2013335. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637758809376175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637758809376175<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Connect with Theory 5.2: Politeness Theory<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Politeness theory <\/strong>was developed to understand how people manage and save face when embarrassing or uncomfortable situations occur. The theory conceptualizes face as the public image of ourselves that we present to others, and it distinguishes two types of face. <em>Positive face<\/em> refers to an individual\u2019s desire to be liked, appreciated, and admired by others. In other words, positive face is the favorable image that people put out to the world and hope to be validated by others. <em>Negative face <\/em>reflects an individual\u2019s desire to be free and independent. This is the part of us that wants to act freely without being concerned about what others want us to do. According to the theory, people use a variety of communicative strategies when engaging in a face-threatening act that has the potential to violate one or both types of face. For example, when considering asking a friend for a ride to the airport, you may hedge your request so that your friend does not feel coerced to comply (negative politeness), start with a compliment before stating your request (positive politeness), hint or make indirect suggestions (going off-record), be direct and straightforward with the request (bald on-record), or avoid bringing up the topic altogether (avoidance). Those strategies can be considered as preventative facework because they minimize or avoid potential face threats. People may also use corrective facework strategies to restore their own face or to help others in response to embarrassing or face-threatening situations. Such corrective facework strategies may include pretending that it didn\u2019t happen, using humor, providing excuses or justifications, or apologizing. Politeness theory illuminates diverse issues related to face and facework, such as sexual resistance strategies following initial and persisting requests (Afifi &amp; Lee, 2000), people\u2019s resistance to persuasion and social influence (Jenkins &amp; Dragojevic, 2011), and older adults\u2019 responses to patronizing and assertive advice (Hummert &amp; Mazloff, 2001).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References and other suggested readings:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Afifi, W. A., &amp; Lee, J. W. (2000). Balancing instrumental and identity goals in relationships: The role of request directness and request persistence in the selection of sexual resistance strategies. <em>Communication Monographs, 67<\/em>(3), 284\u2013305. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637750009376511\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03637750009376511<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alvarez, C. F., &amp; Miller\u2010Ott, A. E. (2022). The polite abuser: Using politeness theory to examine emotional abuse. <em>Personal Relationships, 29<\/em>(4), 894\u2013912. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/pere.12442\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/pere.12442<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brown, P., &amp; Levinson, S. (1978). Universals in language usage: Politeness phenomena. In E. Goody (Ed.), <em>Questions and politeness <\/em>(pp. 56\u2013310). Cambridge University Press.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goldsmith, D. J., &amp; Normand, E. L. (2015). Politeness theory: How we use language to save face. In D. O. Braithwaite &amp; P. Schrodt (Eds.), <em>Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: Multiple perspectives<\/em> (2nd ed., pp. 267\u2013278). SAGE.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hummert, M. L., &amp; Mazloff, D. C. (2001). Older adults\u2019 responses to patronizing advice: Balancing politeness and identity in context. <em>Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 20<\/em>(1), 168\u2013196. <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doi\/10.1177\/0261927X01020001008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0261927X01020001008<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jenkins, M., &amp; Dragojevic, M. (2011). Explaining the process of resistance to persuasion. <em>Communication Research, 40<\/em>(4), 559\u2013590. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0093650211420136\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650211420136<\/a>&nbsp; Kelly, L., Miller-Ott, A. E., &amp; Duran, R. L. (2019). Phubbing friends: Understanding face threats from, and responses to, friends&#8217; cell phone usage through the lens of politeness theory. <em>Communication Quarterly, 67<\/em>(5), 540\u2013559. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/01463373.2019.1668443\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/01463373.2019.1668443<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"74\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon-FLASH.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-409\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"aioseo-flashcards-21\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flashcards<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Swiper -->\n<div class=\"swiper mySwiper\">\n    <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Abstract Language <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Words with general meanings that refer to broad categories of object, events, or behavior.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Concrete Language<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Words that refers to specific events and behaviors or tangible objects that are available to the senses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Connotative Meaning<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The implicit emotional or evaluative interpretation of a word.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Cooperative Principle<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The assumption that people work together to advance a conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Denotative Meaning<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The literal, public, or conventional definition of a word.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Digital Codes <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Communication in which there is no physical connection between a symbol and its meaning, for example, verbal communication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Heterosexist Language <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Language that assumes heterosexuality is superior to other sexual orientations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Idiom<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A term, phrase, or reference that has a special meaning known only to members of a social group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Language<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The words people use to communicate and knowledge about how to use those words to create a meaningful message.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Linguistic Relativity<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The assumption that different languages reflect and create cultural differences in conceptions of reality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Maxim of Manner<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A conversational rule that communicators should strive to be clear, organized, and to the point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Maxim of Quality<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A conversational rule that communicators should make truthful contributions to conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Maxim of Quantity<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A conversational rule that communicators should provide sufficient information to advance the conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Maxim of Relevance<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A conversational rule that communicators should make contributions to conversation that are pertinent to the topic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Pragmatic Rules<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Guidelines for performing actions using language.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Racial Microaggressions<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Everyday slights, insults, putdowns, invalidations, and offensive behaviors that peopl eof color experience in daily interaction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Racist Language<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Words and utterances that undermine a person&#8217;s ethnic group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Reification<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Reacting to words as thought they are an accurate and complete representation of reality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Sapir-Worf Hypothesis<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The assumption that the way people think depends on the structure of their language.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Semantic Rules<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Guidelines for using words in phrases based on meanings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Sexist Language<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Words or expressions that differentiate among sexes or exclude and trivialize particular genders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Speech Acts<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Actions that are performed using language.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Syntactic Rules<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Guidelines for structuring words and phrases within a message.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Totalizing<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Resolving or neglecting details, nuances, or complexity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <div id=\"flashcard-instruction\" class=\"sr-only\">Press Enter or Space to flip the card<\/div><div id=\"flip-announcement\" class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n    \n<\/div>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-live=\"polite\" id=\"announcement\" class=\"visually-hidden\"><\/div>\n\n<script>\n\nvar swiper = new Swiper(\".mySwiper\", {\n    pagination: {\n    el: \".swiper-pagination\",\n    type: \"fraction\",\n    },\n    navigation: {\n    nextEl: \".swiper-button-next\",\n    prevEl: \".swiper-button-prev\",\n    },\n});\n\n\n\nconst flipCards = document.querySelectorAll('.flip-card');\n  const announcement = document.getElementById('announcement');\n\n  flipCards.forEach(flipCard => {\n    flipCard.addEventListener('click', () => {\n      flipCard.classList.toggle('flipped');\n      const frontContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-front');\n      const backContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-back');\n      const isFlipped = flipCard.classList.contains('flipped');\n      \n      if (isFlipped) {\n        announcement.textContent = `${backContent} is now visible.`;\n      } else {\n        announcement.textContent = `${frontContent} is now visible.`;\n      }\n    });\n\n    flipCard.addEventListener('keydown', event => {\n      if (event.key === 'Enter' || event.key === ' ') {\n        flipCard.classList.toggle('flipped');\n        const frontContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-front');\n        const backContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-back');\n        const isFlipped = flipCard.classList.contains('flipped');\n        \n        if (isFlipped) {\n          announcement.textContent = `${backContent} is now visible.`;\n        } else {\n          announcement.textContent = `${frontContent} is now visible.`;\n        }\n      }\n    });\n\n    flipCard.addEventListener('focus', () => {\n      const frontContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-front');\n      announcement.textContent = `Card: ${frontContent}  Press Space or Enter to flip`;\n    });\n\n    flipCard.addEventListener('blur', () => {\n      announcement.textContent = '';\n    });\n  });\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4805a82d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex wp-container-1 is-position-sticky\">\n<nav class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents\"><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#aioseo-how-do-you-rate-15\">How Do You Rate?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#aioseo-communication-in-action-27\">Communication In Action<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#aioseo-connect-with-theory-19\">Connect with Theory<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#aioseo-flashcards-21\">Flashcards<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":88,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-252","content","type-content","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 5.0.0.1 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO Pro (AIOSEO) 5.0.0.1\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Interpersonal Communication - Third Edition\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-09T08:33:37+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-21T09:21:52+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"aioseo-schema\">\n\t\t\t{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/#breadcrumblist\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm#listItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Chapter Resources\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Chapter Resources\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication\"},\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm#listItem\",\"name\":\"Home\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication\",\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Chapter Resources\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Interpersonal Communication\",\"description\":\"Third Edition\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/\",\"name\":\"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication\",\"description\":\"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/#website\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/chapter-resources\\\/chapter-5\\\/#breadcrumblist\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-09T08:33:37+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-21T09:21:52+00:00\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/\",\"name\":\"Interpersonal Communication\",\"description\":\"Third Edition\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/routledgelearning.com\\\/interpersonalcomm\\\/#organization\"}}]}\n\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro -->\r\n\t\t<title>Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication<\/title>\n\n","aioseo_head_json":{"title":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication","description":"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,","canonical_url":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/","robots":"max-image-preview:large","keywords":"","webmasterTools":{"miscellaneous":""},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm#listItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm","nextItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/#listItem","name":"Chapter Resources"}},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/#listItem","position":2,"name":"Chapter Resources","item":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/","nextItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#listItem","name":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication"},"previousItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm#listItem","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#listItem","position":3,"name":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication","previousItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/#listItem","name":"Chapter Resources"}}]},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/#organization","name":"Interpersonal Communication","description":"Third Edition","url":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/","name":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication","description":"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/#breadcrumblist"},"datePublished":"2026-01-09T08:33:37+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-21T09:21:52+00:00"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/#website","url":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/","name":"Interpersonal Communication","description":"Third Edition","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/#organization"}}]},"og:locale":"en_US","og:site_name":"Interpersonal Communication - Third Edition","og:type":"article","og:title":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication","og:description":"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,","og:url":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/","article:published_time":"2026-01-09T08:33:37+00:00","article:modified_time":"2026-08-21T09:21:52+00:00","twitter:card":"summary_large_image","twitter:title":"Chapter 5: Language and Interpersonal Communication - Interpersonal Communication","twitter:description":"Language encompasses the digital and usually verbal symbol systems people use to communicate. This chapter highlights four features of language as abstract, arbitrary, related to culture, and consequential. While these qualities make language flexible, they also mean that people need to know and follow rules to create and interpret messages. This chapter reviews the syntactic,"},"aioseo_meta_data":{"post_id":"252","title":null,"description":null,"keywords":null,"keyphrases":{"focus":{"keyphrase":"","score":0,"analysis":{"keyphraseInTitle":{"score":0,"maxScore":9,"error":1}}},"additional":[]},"primary_term":null,"canonical_url":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"og_object_type":"default","og_image_type":"default","og_image_url":null,"og_image_width":null,"og_image_height":null,"og_image_custom_url":null,"og_image_custom_fields":null,"og_video":"","og_custom_url":null,"og_article_section":null,"og_article_tags":null,"twitter_use_og":false,"twitter_card":"default","twitter_image_type":"default","twitter_image_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_fields":null,"twitter_title":null,"twitter_description":null,"schema":{"blockGraphs":[],"customGraphs":[],"default":{"data":{"Article":[],"Course":[],"Dataset":[],"FAQPage":[],"Movie":[],"Person":[],"Product":[],"ProductReview":[],"Car":[],"Recipe":[],"Service":[],"SoftwareApplication":[],"WebPage":[]},"graphName":"WebPage","isEnabled":true},"graphs":[]},"schema_type":"default","schema_type_options":null,"pillar_content":false,"robots_default":true,"robots_noindex":false,"robots_noarchive":false,"robots_nosnippet":false,"robots_nofollow":false,"robots_noimageindex":false,"robots_noodp":false,"robots_notranslate":false,"robots_max_snippet":"-1","robots_max_videopreview":"-1","robots_max_imagepreview":"large","priority":null,"frequency":"default","local_seo":null,"seo_analyzer_scan_date":"2026-08-21 09:23:12","breadcrumb_settings":null,"limit_modified_date":false,"open_ai":null,"ai":{"faqs":[],"keyPoints":[],"schemas":[],"titles":[],"descriptions":[],"socialPosts":{"email":{"subject":"","preview":"","content":""},"linkedin":[],"twitter":[],"facebook":[],"instagram":[]}},"created":"2026-01-09 08:33:30","updated":"2026-08-21 09:36:09","focus_keyword":null,"additional_keywords":null,"truseo_locale":null},"aioseo_breadcrumb":"<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u203a<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/\" title=\"Chapter Resources\">Chapter Resources<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u203a<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<span>Chapter 5:<\/span> Language and Interpersonal Communication\n<\/span><\/div>","aioseo_breadcrumb_json":[{"label":"Home","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm"},{"label":"Chapter Resources","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/"},{"label":"<span>Chapter 5:<\/span> Language and Interpersonal Communication","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-5\/"}],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/content"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":917,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/252\/revisions\/917"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/88"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}