CHAPTER TWO ACTIVITIES

Introductory Exercise.

1. Can you match the words to their meaning?

__d_ 1.
A. Weird, strange, unfair, or not acceptable
phat
B. Something stupid or thoughtless, deserving
___ 2. Dis
correction
___ 3.
C. Excellent, together, cool
wack
___ 4. D. Old car, generally in poor but serviceable
smack condition
___ 5. E. Insult, put down, to dishonor, to display
down disrespect
___ 6.
F. Get out or leave quickly
hooptie
___ 7. my
G. Cool, very interesting, fantastic or amazing
bad
___ 8.
H. To be in agreement
player
___ 9.
I. Personal mistake
tight
J. Person dating with multiple partners, often
___ 10. jet
unaware of each other

Answers:

1. C
2. E
3. A
4. B
5. H
6. D
7. I
8. J
9. G
10. F

Exercise 2.1

1.) Using a dictionary that gives word origins, such as the American Heritage College
Dictionary, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, or the New Oxford American Dictionary,
find at least ten English words borrowed from other languages.

10 English words borrowed:

1. Ballet (Origin: French)

2. Cafe (Origin: French)
3. Genre (Origin: French)
4. Patio (Origin: Spanish)
5. Blitzkrieg (Origin: German)
6. Kindergarten (Origin: German)
7. Vigilante (Origin: Spanish)
8. Ketchup (Origin: Chinese)
9. Cookie (Origin: Dutch)
10. Mammoth (Origin: Russia)

2.) Visit several English-language Web sites from different countries—for example, Australia,
Canada, and the United States. What differences in spelling and word usage do you find?
Discuss your results.

The British actually introduced the language to the Americas when they reached these lands
by sea between the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, spelling had not yet been
standardised. It took the writing of the first dictionaries to set in stone how these words
appeared. In the UK, the dictionary was compiled by London-based scholars. Meanwhile, in
the United States, the lexicographer was a man named Noah Webster. Allegedly, he changed
how the words were spelled to make the American version different from the British as a way
of showing cultural independence from its mother country.

In terms of speech, the differences between American and British English actually took place
after the first settlers arrived in America. These groups of people spoke using what was called
rhotic speech, where the ‘r’ sounds of words are pronounced. Meanwhile, the higher classes
in the UK wanted to distinguish the way they spoke from the common masses by softening
their pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. Since the elite even back then were considered the
standard for being fashionable, other people began to copy their speech, until it eventually
became the common way of speaking in the south of England.

3.) From your viewpoint, how do you think thought influences the use of language? Write a
one- to two-page explanation.

Language is so much more than a series of labels for things. Words have the power to trigger
emotions, imagination and action. It is how people communicate. By learning a language, it
means you have mastered a complex system of words, structure, and grammar to effectively
communicate with others. Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact
reflection of the character and growth of its speakers. Whether we are aware of it or not,
language deeply impacts how we think. One can understand ideas and thoughts that may be
different from your own culture. You can learn customs and how people interact in a given
society. Language helps preserve cultures, but it also allows us to learn about others and
spread ideas quickly. Whichever the case, it is clear that the language we employ greatly
influence how we think about innovation, change and transformation.

Though much of human communication is non-verbal (we can demonstrate our thoughts,
feelings and ideas by our gestures, expressions, tones, and emotions) language is important
for personal communication.
Whether it’s being able to talk to your friends, your partner, or your family, having a shared
language is necessary for these types of interactions. You can easily conjure up mental
images and sensations that would be hard to describe in words. You can think about the
sound of a symphony, the shape of a pear, or the smell of garlic bread. None of these
thoughts require language.

The main function of language is the usefulness of language. It gives us the ability to
communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings with others as quickly as possible. But, within that,
we can understand language more by looking at its basic functions.

4.) What is meant by conditioned in this statement: “people in Western cultures do not realize
the extent to which their racial attitudes have been conditioned since early childhood by the
power of words to ennoble or condemn, augment or detract, glorify or demean?”Moore, R.
(2003). Racism in the English language. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Discuss your thoughts.

It means it’s a reinforced response due to a significant and established influence, which in this
case, due to racism and bigotry being taught at an early age.

5.) Translations gone wrong can teach us much about words and meaning. Can you think of a
word or phrase that just doesn’t sound right when it was translated from English into another
language, or vice versa? Share and discuss what a better translation would be.

The best example would be any phrase from the Hebrew Bible. It has many and varied
versions of the original text that somehow gets lost in translation, esp. when it needs updating
for the newer generation. Trying to translate and transcribe old texts takes time and effort,
these mistranslations can and do affect our overall understanding, our perception of God's
actions, and our religious practices. And these mistranslations can become a real problem.
Such mistranslations are to us what a deceptively flawed roadmap is to an explorer. They
lead us in a totally wrong direction away from our real goal and destination, and they give us a
false sense of security. This they have done in hundreds of cases.

Now when the translators translate two or more different Hebrew words (or Greek words in
the New Testament) with the same English word, they tacitly acknowledge that they don't
really grasp the distinction between those words in the original text.

Exercise 2.2
1.) Choose three examples of communication and identify the primary message.

A. Asking a friend if I can borrow one thousand pesos and without replying yes or no, he
simply reached out to his pocket, pulled out his wallet and handed me a thousand-peso bill.

B. Pointing out to a friend that you found his missing notebook and returned it back to him.

C. Waiting for my name to be called by the clerk for my monthly check-up and after being
called, raised my hand to acknowledge I am the person they are looking for.

2.) Choose three examples of communication and identify the auxiliary message(s).

A. Getting your friend to notice you across the noisy room and gestured to her using your
pinky and thumb while shaking it to “call you” after she gets home.

B. Snapping your fingers to get someone’s attention during his daydreaming.

C. Motioning your index finger to tell the other person to come over.

3.) Think of a time when someone said something like “please take a seat” and you correctly
or incorrectly interpreted the message as indicating that you were in trouble and about to be
reprimanded.

I remember the time I got called to the Principal’s Office and I instinctively thought I got myself
into trouble while not knowing what it was for. As it turns out, it was about the event I was
supposed to attend as a representative for the Inter-School Quiz Bee challenge. Imagine the
fear and anxiety I felt during that ordeal.

4.) How does language affect self-concept? Explore and research your answer, finding
examples that can serve as case studies.

Self-concept, self-image, self-esteem and self-efficacy are major factors in the way we
communicate. Communicating with confidence allows you to speak concisely and with clarity.
Communication becomes smooth when we become part of it, being a part of it doesn’t mean
only our physical involvement, but attributes of our self-e.g., how we see ourselves, what type
of feelings and thoughts we hold
about our strengths and weaknesses. Relatively, our thoughts are affected by varying
emotional states, likes, dislikes values and roles etc., how we want others to see us, how we
think others should see us and how we want to see ourselves. All these attributes determine
our communication habits. Most of our self-concept is a reflection of
our relationships and the people around us. Our parents, near relatives, friends, heroes and
bullies, all have influenced the way we perceive ourselves. Professionals who communicate
with confidence can convey what they want to their clients and co-workers in a clear and
efficient manner. Effective communication is critically important for career advancement.
Link source:
http://oaji.net/articles/2016/1170-1463651532.pdf

5.) Choose an article or opinion piece from a major newspaper or news Web site. Analyze the
piece according to the five-part structure described here. Does the headline serve as a good
attention statement? Does the piece conclude with a sense of closure? How are the main
points presented and supported? Share your analysis with your classmates. For a further
challenge, watch a television commercial and do the same analysis.

The article I have chosen was entitled:

A. “Philippine students struggle to take online classes”

B. “Philippines: The Rich and Poor Divide in Distance Learning”

Attention statement

A. Hopes for a return to classrooms this month have been dashed after President Rodrigo
Duterte reversed a plan to trial in-person classes in low-risk areas, postponing any reopening
indefinitely as the Philippines battles over 480,000 coronavirus infections, the second-highest
number in Southeast Asia.

B. The Philippine education system is struggling to adapt to the sudden and major shift to
distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Introduction

A. The shift to online classes, self-learning modules and television and radio programs has
proven extremely challenging in a country of 108 million where less than a fifth of households
have internet access and many lack mobile devices.

B. The Department of Education (DepEd) delayed the opening of the school year and offered
Self-Learning Modules to students at home. Authorities pledged to provide distance learning
access for all students, whether through radio, television, modular, or online tools.

Body

A. Already, there has been a surge in students dropping out of school, according to the
education ministry.

B. Most public-school students come from less privileged families, and their mental health has
become a major concern during this period of transition. Some regional school heads
suggested that the DepEd should provide mental health programs along with the learning
modules.
Conclusion

A. "The pandemic is no reason for me to stop learning," she said.

B. “If we look at the modalities plainly, [they] are pretty plausible,” she told The News Lens.
“But we should take into great consideration the means of bringing these modalities to the
main beneficiaries, the medium of instruction, the people who will be the stand-in teachers.”

Residual message

A. "I know we haven't given her enough guidance with school," said Castro's grandmother
Angeline Delos Santos, "but if we don't take care of our business, we would have nothing to
feed the kids. I just hope that she finishes school, gets a good job, and ultimately finds a life
outside this cemetery," said Santos.

B. Avanceña, a teacher broadcaster for the DepEd, said that education is vital despite these
unusual challenges. “I understand that we all get tired,” she said. “Just take a breather.”

• Does the headline serve as a good attention statement?

- Yes, it easily captures the attention of anyone who sees/reads the news since it’s timely,
relevant and important, especially with the current events taking place.

• Does the piece conclude with a sense of closure?

- Yes. It tackles the difficulty and hardship of less-fortunate family struggling to simply survive
every single day, including the young kids who still attend online classes.

• How are the main points presented and supported? Share your analysis with your
classmates.
- The article started off with a relatable issue every poor family are currently experiencing: an
unstable internet signal, surge of students dropping out due to poverty, students not able to
cope up with the shift from traditional learning to online classes, self-learning modules and
television-radio programs has proven extremely challenging.

Link sources:
A. https://www.postguam.com/the_globe/philippines_asia/philippine-students-struggle-to-
take-online-classes/article_6c5f5d4e-5091-11eb-a9a5-fbe3f8f0cc5b.html

B. https://international.thenewslens.com/article/142537

Exercise 2.3

1.) Write at least five examples of English sentences with correct syntax. Then rewrite each
sentence, using the same words in an order that displays incorrect syntax.

Correct syntax: I'm getting the car right now. I should be there in no time.
Incorrect syntax: I'm getting the car in no time. I should be there right now.

Correct syntax: After I’m done here at the office, I’ll buy your favorite snacks at your
favorite shop.
Incorrect syntax: After I’m done here at your favorite shop, I’ll buy your favorite snacks at the
office.
Correct syntax: We are going to the amusement park for our date today.
Incorrect syntax: Going to the amusement park we are for our date today.

Correct syntax: It appears that I’ve lost my phone when I rode the bus yesterday.
Incorrect syntax: When I rode the bus yesterday, I’ve lost my phone it appears.

Correct syntax: Sensing danger, Marco instinctively hid behind the dilapidated car and
listened to his surroundings.
Incorrect syntax: Marco instinctively listened to his surroundings sensing danger hid behind
the dilapidated car and.

2.) Think of at least five words whose denotative meaning differs from their connotative
meaning. Use each word in two sentences, one employing the denotative meaning and the
other employing the connotative.

Denotative vs. Connotative

Denotation: The boxing match ended in a knockout.

Connotation: Jennifer Lopez was a knockout in that black dress.

Denotation: Roger has been raising a farm chicken in their backyard.

Connotation: After not showing up to their supposed duel, Martin was branded a chicken
by his peers.

Denotation: It was horrifying to know what she had to go through during the brutal
murder.
Connotation: That was downright brutal, dude! No way that happened.

Denotation: Bernard wore a blue polo shirt today.

Connotation: Anthony was feeling blue all week after his dog, Alexander, died.

Denotation: Monkeys are my favorite animal at the zoo.

Connotation: Stop monkeying around! No wonder you can’t finish any tasks that was
delegated to you.

3.) Do you associate meaning with the car someone drives? Does it say something about
them? List five cars you observe people you know driving and discuss each one, noting
whether you perceive that the car says something about them or not.

Association

Micro/Sedan
- Single person, usually living alone, who uses it to go to work. Garage sometimes occupy a
limited space, hence the size.

SUV/MPV/Wagon
- Family oriented vehicle, usually for long, drawn-out travel and leisure drives to the country.
Convertible/Luxury
- Middle priced vehicle, usually bought by well-off individuals for the "aesthetics" and
“nostalgia”

Sports Car/Supercar/Muscle Car

- Basically a status symbol. If you have one, it means you're one of the "elite" people in the
known field/industry.

Limousine
- VIP go-to vehicle. Usually used for important gatherings like gala, charity events and
campaign/election day.

Exercise 2.4

1.) Identify at least five common clichés and look up their origins. Try to understand how and
when each phrase became a cliché.

A. “Diamond in the rough”

- Someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential,
but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the
crowd. The phrase is metaphorical and relates to the fact that naturally occurring diamonds
are quite ordinary at first glance, and that their true beauty as jewels is only realized through
the cutting and polishing process. The term was used as early as the 1600s.

B. “Don’t judge a book by its cover”

- Basically, means that you shouldn't judge before you know, you shouldn’t judge because 9
times out of 10, the reality is different than you think. The phrase is attributed to a 1944
edition of the African journal American Speech: “You can't judge a book by its binding.” It
was popularized even more when it appeared in the 1946 murder mystery Murder in the
Glass Room by Lester Fuller and Edwin Rolfe: “You can never tell a book by its cover.”

C. “Every cloud has a silver lining”

- The origin of the idiom “every cloud has a silver lining” is most likely traceable to the year
1634, when John Milton penned his masque Comus. In it, the quote appears as “Was I
deceived or did a sable cloud; Turn forth her silver lining on the night?” This expression
is usually said as an encouragement to a person who is overcome by some difficulty and is
unable to see any positive way forward. It is used to convey the notion that, no matter how
bad a situation might seem, there is always has some good aspect to it.

D. “Happily ever after”

- The line "...and they all lived happy ever after" is a stock ending in children's fairy tales
and to other romantic stories. Or, at least, it used to be. The first time that the term 'happily
ever after' is used in relation to marriage is in Giovanni Boccaccio's translation of Il
Decamerone, 1702: “Paganino, hearing the News, married the Widow, and as they were very
well acquainted, so they lived very lovingly, and happily, ever after.”

E. “Kid in a candy store”

- So excited about one's surroundings that one acts in a childlike or silly way. Primarily heard
in US.

F. “Hot knife through butter”

- If you deal with a problem or difficult situation like a hot knife through butter, you deal with
it quickly and easily with very little effort required.

G. “Cold as ice”
- Utterly unfeeling, unsympathetic, distant or unfriendly in temperament. It can be used to
describe a person who does not show little or any emotion at all. The word originates from the
late-70's and has been associated with the Foreigner hit song, "Cold as Ice".
2.) Using your library’s microfilm files or an online database, look through newspaper articles
from the 1950s or earlier. Find at least one article that uses sexist or racist language. What

makes it racist or sexist? How would a journalist convey the same information today?

- The terms use in the articles like “white men”, “Negro”, etc. which denotes racism and
racial segregation.
- It solidifies “white supremacy”, undermining “Negroes” simply because of the color of
their skins, not because of their skills or abilities.

Links:
1. http://therosaparksguide.weebly.com/newspaper.html
2. https://blog.genealogybank.com/elizabeth-cady-stanton-jackie-robinson-rosa-parks-
obituaries.html

3.) Identify one slang term and one euphemism you know is used in your community, among
your friends, or where you work.

LOL (laugh out loud)

- A slang used to express, for example on social media and in text messages, when you
think something is funny or you intend it as a joke.
Passed away
- A euphemism to convey that someone’s “time is already up”.

4.) How does language change over time? Interview someone older than you and someone
younger than you and identify words that have changed. Pay special attention to jargon and
slang words.

- There are many different routes to language change. Changes can take originate in
language learning, or through language contact, social differentiation, and natural processes
in usage. Language learning: Language is transformed as it is transmitted from one
generation to the next. Technology and music also play a vital role in the progress of
language change, be it for good or bad.

5.) Is there ever a justifiable use for doublespeak? Why or why not? Explain your response
and give some examples.

- Doublespeak is language which pretends to communicate but doesn't. It is language which

makes the bad seem good, the negative seems positive, the unpleasant seem unattractive, or
at least tolerable. I would argue no, there is never a justifiable use for doublespeak. Double
speak refers to distorting words and phrases in order to bury a truth. While some may be
considered as euphemisms, they are primarily doublespeak and are intentionally misleading,
which is where the conflict lies. Doublespeak is usually spoken by politicians or people from
the government to hide the truth from a lot of people.

6.) Can people readily identify the barriers to communication? Survey ten individuals and see
if they accurately identify at least one barrier, even if they use a different term or word.

- At work, you will use a variety of verbal and nonverbal communication tools and tactics to
share information and maintain business operations. As an employee, you might sometimes
face obstacles that make communication challenging. When communication barriers arise, it
can be difficult to maintain and develop relationships with colleagues, leaders or clients. This
often leads to confusion and can make your day-to-day duties more difficult. By recognizing
these barriers and being aware of your own communication habits, you’ll be better able to
resolve these issues when they come up. In these circumstances, it’s important to make all
the necessary arrangements to ensure you’re able to effectively communicate with each
other. For example, you may need to request the services of a translator or sign language
interpreter.

Exercise 2.5

1.) Find a news article online or in a newspaper or magazine that uses several visuals. What
do the visuals illustrate? Would the article be equally effective without them? Why or why not?
Share your findings with your class.

- By definition, visual communication is the practice of graphically representing information to

efficiently, effectively create meaning. There are many types of content in the realm of visual
communication, with examples including infographics, interactive content, motion graphics,
and more. The possibilities are endless. But no matter the medium, all incorporate at least
some of the following elements: interactivity, iconography, illustration, supporting text, graphs,
data visualization, and animation. Which type of visual communication is right for your
company or campaign depends on the goal(s) you’d like to achieve. It also depends on your
target audience. Ask your creative content partner for recommendations.

Examples of where visual communication can be used include conferences and trade shows,
websites, social media posts, office presentations and meetings, and so much more. That’s
why, today, the definition of content marketing success includes visual communication. So,
when updating your content strategy, make sure your organization isn’t left behind. Explore
the articles below to learn how to implement visual communication across your organization.

6 Types of Visual Content:

1. Image

- When you split up a body of text with some compelling images, people are more inclined to
finish reading what you’ve written (provided that the images are high quality and contextually
relevant).
2. Videos
- Videos are incredibly useful for presenting common problems and then showing the
solutions that your product can offer.

3. Infographics
- Infographics are an excellent tool for drawing upon all of your complex data and statistics
and collating them into a compelling, easily intelligible visual display.

4. Memes
- The term ‘meme’ was first coined by Richard Dawkins in 1976 to ascribe an idea of the
capacity to replicate itself into different meanings from person to person. Memes are now
commonly known as images that are accompanied by humorous captions.

5. Presentations
- Presentations serve a similar function to infographics, with a large focus on attractive design
and color, thereby drawing the reader into the text. Although, they differ though by having a
greater scope. Thus, if a topic is too lengthy to be appropriate for an infographic, a beautifully
crafted presentation can be extremely effective at keeping people engaged with your content

6. Screenshots
- With a screenshot, you can provide your audience with a glimpse into the inner workings of
your product or service. You can show what services and functions you offer from a direct
perspective, and you can even combine your screenshot with some marketing copy or a
testimonial to boost your credibility.

Screenshots are very useful for backing up the claims you make in your sales content. For
example, if you’re marketing an app which can perform certain functions, a screenshot with a
caption can be the visual verification your audience needs in order to trust your claims. It’s
also possible to annotate your screenshots if you wish to draw attention to a particular part of
the image (such as which button to click) or provide a more in-depth explanation of what’s
going on behind the scenes.Compass Rose (Near the upper right)

- It is used to tell the direction one is facing. Helpful

So, in short, visuals make your article more engaging, interesting and informative whereas
to find your way around to avoid getting lost.
text cannot hold a candle to.

Link:
https://neilpatel.com/blog/visual-content-you-need-to-use-in-your-marketing-campaign/
https://killervisualstrategies.com/blog/category/visual-communication-2

2.) Find an article or listen to a presentation that uses signposts. Identify the signposts and
explain how they help the audience follow the article or presentation. Share your findings with
your class.

- Signposts can take your writing to a higher level. Use them well, use them often, and delight
as your writing becomes more cohesive and powerful. Signposts are a way to add clarity and
flow to your writing. If you use them effectively, your readers will have an easier time
understanding your content. The sequence and interconnectedness of your ideas will seem
natural and deliberate. On the other hand, poor use of signposts will only distract your readers
and lower the effectiveness of your work.

• Major signposts—Essentially, your introduction, conclusion, and topic sentences

• Minor signposts—Internal linking phrases that indicate the direction and flow of your
argument

Link:
http://blog.writersdomain.net/i-saw-the-sign-how-to-use-signposts-in-your-writing/

3.) Find the legend on a map. Pick one symbol and describe its use. Share and compare with
the class.
Exercise 2.6

1.) Choose a piece of writing from a

profession you are unfamiliar with. For
example, if you are studying biology, choose an excerpt from a book on fashion design.
Identify several terms you are unfamiliar with, terms that may be considered jargon. How
does the writer help you understand the meaning of these terms? Could the writer make them
easier to understand?

- General trends - Paradigm shifts - empowerment - synergy

- structure changes - theory - self-aggrandizing

Somehow, when the writer used a jargon, it is usually followed with a similar sounding word to
explain what it means.

Yes, the writer could’ve made it easier to understand if he/she used a simple and direct term.

Link:
http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1538/a-general-theory-of-buzzwords-synergistic-
meta-linguistic-paradigm-shifts
2.) In your chosen career field or your college major, identify ten jargon words, define
them.

● Acquisition
Taking ownership of another business. Frequently used in conjunction with the word merger,
as in mergers and acquisitions or M&As.

● Advertising
The activity of attracting public attention to a product or business through paid
announcements in print, broadcast, or electronic media. Not to be confused with marketing or
public relations.

● Angel Investors
Individuals who back emerging entrepreneurial ventures, usually as a bridge to get from the
self-funded stage to the level of business that would both need and attract venture capital.
Funding level ranges anywhere from $50,000 to $2 million.

● Appraisal
A formal estimate of the value of something on the open market. It also describes how the
estimation and conclusion of value was made.

● Barter
Direct exchange of merchandise and/or services between businesses.

● Business Incubator
Provides workspace, coaching, and support services to entrepreneurs and early-stage
businesses.

● Business Valuation
An estimate of the worth of a business entity and its assets.

● Consumer Direct Marketing

A form of network marketing in which the distributors are all consumers and must also buy the
product for their personal use.

● Copyright
A form of protection for published and unpublished literary, scientific, and artistic works that
have been fixed in a tangible or material form.

● Corporation
A body that is granted a charter recognizing it as a separate legal entity having its own rights,
privileges, and liabilities distinct from those of its members. The primary advantage of a
corporation is that it shields its investors from personal liability for any losses a corporation
may experience.
3.) Describe a simple process, from brushing your teeth to opening the top of a bottle, in as
precise terms as possible.

- Pick up toothbrush with your dominant hand

- Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush with your free hand
- Wet the toothbrush
- Proceed to brush your teeth, starting from the front (incisors and canine) up and down, then
side to side
- Brush the inner part of your mouth, particularly the molars and cheeks area
- Afterwards, brush the upper palate then the upper and lower part
- Brush the inward part of the molars and premolars as well
- Next, brush the tongue, starting from the front then move to the back. Scrub to remove build-
up of plaque
- Finally, to rinse, either use a glass or simply use your hands to make a “cup” and gather
ample amount of water
- Use the gathered to rinse your mouth, gargle if you have to.