LanguageLanguage

Def. – a body of symbols (most commonly words) and the systems for their use in messages that are common to the people of the same speech community.

Speech Community – a group of people who speak the same language.

Words – symbols used by a speech community to represent objects, ideas, and feelings.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – a theory claiming that language influences perception.

Uses of LanguageUses of Language

To designate, label, define, and limit.

To evaluate.

To discuss things outside our immediate experience.

To talk about language.

Language and MeaningLanguage and Meaning

The meaning of words is in people, not in the words themselves.

Words have two levels of meaning: Denotation- using dictionary definitions to give

meanings to words. Connotation- using personal experiences and

emotions. (ex. Adroit! )

Language and MeaningLanguage and Meaning

Meaning may vary depending on the syntactic context, the position of a word in a sentence, and the other words around it.

Language use by any speech community will change over time. (ex. When was the last time you used “groovy” in conversation?)

Meaning VariesMeaning Varies

Subgroups develop variations on the core language that enable them to share meanings unique to their subculture. (ex. – The Man.)

We must develop language skills so that the messages we send are clear and sensitive.

Cultural DifferencesCultural Differences

Low-context Cultures: cultures in which messages are direct, specific, and detailed.

High-context Cultures: cultures in which messages are indirect, general, and ambiguous.

Gender DifferencesGender Differences

Feminine styles of Language: use words of empathy or support, emphasize concrete and personal language, and show politeness and tentativeness in speaking.

Masculine styles of Language: use words of status and problem solving, emphasize abstract and general language, and show assertiveness and control in speaking.

Improving Language Improving Language SkillsSkills

Choose specific language, or language that clarifies meaning by narrowing what is understood from a general category to a particular item or group within that category.

Concrete words- words that appeal to the senses and help us see, hear, smell, taste, or touch.

Precise words- words that narrow a large category.

Improving Language Improving Language SkillsSkills

Develop Verbal Vividness and Emphasis Vivid messages use language that is vigorous,

bright, and intense. Simile- a direct comparison of dissimilar things.

(ex. cheeks like roses) Metaphor- a comparison that establishes a

figurative identity between objects being compared. (ex. drowning in money)

Emphasis- the weight or importance given to certain words or ideas.

Improving Language Improving Language SkillsSkills

Provide details and examples

Specify the time when a fact was known to be true.

Indexing generalizations- the mental and verbal practice of acknowledging the presence of individual differences when voicing generalizations.

Speaking AppropriatelySpeaking Appropriately

Def.- choosing language and symbols that are adapted to the needs, interests, knowledge, and attitudes of listeners in order to avoid language that alienates them.

Use vocabulary the listener understands. Adapt your vocabulary to the level of your listener, but avoid talking down to them.

Speaking AppropriatelySpeaking Appropriately

Use Jargon Sparingly Jargon- technical terms understood only by

select groups. If others do not speak the same jargon,

remember to explain the terms you are using.

Speaking AppropriatelySpeaking Appropriately

Use slang appropriate to the situation Slang- informal vocabulary used by particular

groups in society. To use slang appropriately means you use it

exclusively in situations where people will understand slang.

Speaking AppropriatelySpeaking Appropriately

Demonstrate linguistic sensitivity- choose language that respects others and avoid language that others perceive as offensive.

Generic Language- using words that may apply only to one sex, race, or group as though they represent everyone.

Non Parallel language- language in which terms are changed because of the race, sex, or other characteristic of the individual. Marking- the addition of sex, race, age or designation

to a description. Avoid marking if it is not relevant.

Powerpoints are onlinePowerpoints are online

http://www.slideshare.net/jbryanthall/slideshows