Discourse Communities Quiz

True or False: Wardle suggests that authority within a workplace is solely dependent on one's formal position and is not influenced by the individual's alignment with the community’s writing conventions and culture.

• True

• False

True or False: Alan's resistance to adopting the writing norms of his workplace indicates that he was actively challenging the community's identity, even though this resistance led to negative outcomes for both his role and the department.

• True

• False

True or False: Wardle argues that identity construction in the workplace is a one-way process in which the community imposes its conventions on newcomers, who have no influence over shaping those norms.

• True

• False

How does Wardle view the intersection of identity and writing in a new workplace, especially regarding how newcomers are expected to engage?

• a. Newcomers are always expected to bring their previous writing styles to transform workplace communication.

• b. Newcomers must negotiate their own identity with the established values and writing conventions of the workplace.

• c. Identity is fixed, and writing does not influence how new workers integrate into the workplace.

• d. Newcomers must entirely conform to the existing writing norms without question to be accepted.

Which of the following best demonstrates a potential conflict between identity and authority in a discourse community, as explored by Wardle?

• a. A newcomer who quickly learns the language and communication styles of the community.

• b. An experienced community member who mentors new members on established practices.

• c. A newcomer who challenges the existing norms and proposes new methods.

• d. A community leader who enforces strict adherence to traditional practices.

What was a major reason for Alan’s failure to integrate into his workplace community, as discussed by Wardle?

• Lack of technical knowledge that prevented him from performing his job duties effectively.

• His perception of his own role and authority, which conflicted with the community's view of him as a support tool.

• The department's willingness to accommodate his writing style and preferences.

• His consistent efforts to align with the department’s norms without question.

How does Wardle's concept of authority differ from a traditional hierarchical view?

• Authority is seen purely as a function of one's job title and official responsibilities.

• Authority is irrelevant in discourse communities.

• Authority is fixed and unchangeable once established.

• Authority is fluid and negotiated through the ways individuals interact within the community.

In Wardle's discussion, which of the following is a possible outcome of a newcomer’s resistance to writing norms in the workplace?

• It can result in the newcomer asserting their own identity but becoming marginalized and losing authority in the process.

• It always leads to positive transformation of the community's practices.

• It guarantees a promotion and increased authority within the workplace.

• It encourages other members of the community to adopt the newcomer’s writing style.

According to Pattanayak, the idea of "correct" language primarily serves to:

• Improve communication efficiency.

• Maintain social hierarchies and marginalize certain groups.

• Promote linguistic diversity and equality.

• Standardize global communication norms.

How does the concept of "correct" writing and speaking affect cultural identity, according to Pattanayak?

• It strengthens cultural diversity by encouraging everyone to follow the same norms.

• It has no significant impact on cultural identity.

• It undermines cultural identity by devaluing non-standard linguistic practices.

• It simplifies communication by eliminating cultural nuances.