Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

Using terms such as "I," "You," and "Me" in writing indicates which type of language?

1. Inclusive

2. Exclusive

3. Formal

4. Colloquial

The correct answer is: Exclusive

Using terms such as "I," "You," and "Me" in writing indicates exclusive language. This type of language emphasizes personal perspectives and individual experiences rather than fostering a shared or collective understanding. Exclusive language often focuses on the speaker’s point of view and may create a sense of distance from the audience, as it does not incorporate collective terms or shared experiences. In contrast, inclusive language would aim to engage the audience by using collective pronouns and emphasizing shared experiences. Formal language would avoid personal pronouns entirely in favor of a more detached, impersonal tone. Colloquial language typically involves informal speech patterns and may not specifically relate to the use of personal pronouns.