Answers to in-text Questions

Caption  Answer 
Why might this pairing of street signs be amusing to a citizen in the United States, and what is taken for granted by those who understand the joke?  The U.S. Constitution stipulates the separation of church and state, but this pair of street signs indicates that this is the point where Church and State intersect. Someone who finds it amusing would have to know about the U.S. Constitution and the fact that Americans do not say the word street when talking about the intersection of two roads.
What factors might be influencing the conversation of these two people?  There are a variety of factors that may be influencing the conversation between these two. First, we must consider their relationship. It appears they are a trainer and client, which likely means they are not close friends. Further, we should consider the context, looking at the specific language that nay be used in the context of athletic training.
The woman on the left is telling her friend how the chaos around her house prevents her from ever having time to herself. Her friend is assuring her that her concerns sound warranted and that she is a valuable person. Alternative scenario: The friend tells her to stop complaining and get over herself. Which cultural styles of talk does each of these two scenarios demonstrate?  The first scenario is an example of feminine talk that is nurturing, supportive, and harmonious. The second alternative scenario is an example of tough masculine talk.
People tell stories every day whether about the crazy commute that made them late to work or a funny interaction with a checkout clerk. How do you know that one of the people in this photo is telling a story, and what role does storytelling seem to play in their relationship?  The individuals are relaxed, indicating a friendship and shared bond. Everyone is looking at the person in the center, who seems to be mid-comment.  Those listening to the woman seem amused and interested. Amusement and interest about the narration/storytelling serve to bond the friendship.
Talk in friendships or relationships can be described in terms of three functions: instrumental, indexical, and essential. Which function of talk would you use to describe the two students in this photo?  Indexical or essential function; they seem very at ease and familiar in speaking with each other.