A
We do not usually think about how our language works. Talking is such a natural, everyday activity that we do not often stop to consider how it actually works. When we do study our language, though, we are often surprised that we are able to understand our conversations. Words can mean so many different things. However, it turns out that the speaking situation helps a lot in making language work.
First, the speaking situation helps make words more particular. For example, the word “dog” can describe a dog that a speaker saw in a dream. It can also be used to discuss a neighbor’s dog. No language has a separate word for the idea “dog that I saw yesterday” and another word for the idea “dog that I saw in a dream.” This is because the speaking situation makes it clear what speakers mean when they use words. So, when you have a conversation with your neighbor, the knowledge that you have a dog tells your neighbor what the word “dog” probably means in that situation.
The speaking situation also helps make language clearer. For example, the word “bank” has two possible meanings. It can mean “a place where people keep money,” but it can also mean “the side of a river.” So the sentence “I went to the bank” is not clear. It could mean I went to the side of the river or it could mean I went to the place where my money is kept. However, if the speaker is talking about fishing or going to the mountains, others probably know that “bank” means “the side of a river.”
The things that speakers say may not always be clear. Sometimes the words are not very particular, but the speaking situation can provide the meaning. Other times words may have many meanings. Then the speaking situation limits the right meaning. This extra knowledge from the situation is very important to understand language.
21. The passage is mainly about _____.
A. the best time and place to talk to others
B. how speaking situation helps language work
C. what to say in difficult situations
D. how our language works
22. According to the passage, we can safely say that _____.
A. a speaking situation does not affect the meaning of words
B. speaking is not very natural for most people
C. a speaking situation is not important
D. people often do not consider how talking works
23. By using the example of the word “dog”, the writer wants to show that _____.
A. a word may need to be explained in a conversation
B. a word may have different meanings
C. speaking situation helps people understand the particular meaning of a word
D. the meaning of words is not particular
24. According to the passage, we can know the meaning of the word “bank” by referring to _______.
A. the time and the place where the conversation happens
B. the occupation of the person who uses the word
C. earlier or later parts of the conversation
D. a reliable dictionary
