ANTH 204: INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Final Exam - Fall 2004
Lee Eskin
TOTAL POINTS: 25 (25% of final grade)
Short Answer Question: (5 points each)
1) What is the difference between paralanguage and non-verbal language?
Define them. Then give three examples or paralanguage and three examples of
non-verbal language.
Paralanguage involves expressing oneself through one’s use of language, both in terms of the
properties of the words spoken (such as, for example, volume, intonation, stress, and pauses
between words), and also use of sounds which are not words (such as “um”, or a grunt). Non-
verbal language, on the other hand, encompasses expression that takes place without necessarily
making any audible noises; that is, non-verbal language is expression through movement/physical
positioning alone (such as, for example, proximity to the listener, eye movement, and gestures).
Paralanguage (a few examples of each are given in parentheses)
1 Volume (if I say something loudly, I might be expressing anger; softly, I might be expressing
timidity or intimacy).
2 Stress (which word I place a stress on in a given sentence may change the meaning. For
example, using italics to indicate stress, asking the question “He gave you that book?” indicates
that the speaker is particularly focused on/surprised by the identity of the giver, while “He gave
you that book?” indicates that the speaker’s focus is on what was given.
3 Pause (placing a pause between words can emphasize each word or indicate thoughtfulness.
Placing pauses between each word, for example, can make a statement seem more dramatic or
intense).
Non-verbal language (a few examples of each are given in parentheses)
1 Eye movement (eye contact with another can convey seriousness or intensity of a statement).
2 Gestures (the movement of one’s hands while speaking can accentuate what is being said by
accompanying it with visual approximation of the meaning, and also can symbolically indicate
mood (a chopping motion can indicate aggressiveness, open palms moving toward the body can
indicate acceptance or seduction of the listener).
3 Touching (touching can indicate intimacy, or an exertion of control).

methods) is up for debate, but Brice-Heath’s study is most important because it brings out the
fact that the connection exists in the first place, and that something can be changed to improve
working class ability to succeed in what seems now to be a “middle class white” education
system.
Short Essay Question: (15 points)
1) We have seen that cross- talk can happen between people belonging to
different cultures and that speak different native languages. Do you think that
different dialects could have a similar effect? Do you think we could cross- talk
with people that belong to different sub-cultures in the US and speak different
varieties of English? If you were in charge of planning changes in the US
educational system, what would you do to correct this problem?
I do think that, to some extent, cross-talk does occur between people of different dialects,
and this could pose a unique sort of problem. When cross-talk between people with different
native languages occurs, once there is awareness of the concept of cross-talk, the problem is
easily identified. That is to say, it can be anticipated that people with different native languages
will have a problem communicating, and thus the problem can be corrected for. Cross-talk
between people of different dialects is less extreme, but therefore it is also more subtle and
perhaps harder to notice and correct for. It may be assumed that two people, both of whom speak
English, can communicate fluidly without difficulty. That assumption is often erroneous; there
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are many differences between dialects, rooted in differences in culture among speakers of the
same language, which can cause problems. A nice example might be between a Texan and a
New Yorker; there are numerous subtle differences in language use between the two, such as, for
example, speed and verbosity. While in Texas a slower drawl, and less precise description, is
expected, in New York one tends to speak more quickly and with greater economy. This
difference, if not recognized as cultural, could easily lead to one interpreting the other as rude and
inconsiderate.
This problem could, hypothetically, be compensated for in the US schools. Classes could
be sure to analyze and highlight the differences between the English spoken there and other
dialects of English. This might reduce the extent to which there is misunderstanding when the

movie should be referenced when appropriate (you may also quote them as needed, however,
avoid to “fill up” your essay with extensive quotes). When referencing a reading, don’t forget to
indicate author and page number.
DUE 12/20 IN THE DROPBOX (1 COPY) AND BY E-MAIL (1 COPY) BY
11AM
I affirm that I have adhered to the Honor Code in this assignment
Signed ________________________________
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