Transcript Language
1
Interpersonal
Verbal
Language Communities
(Speech Communities)
Words are symbols that have understood meaning to the people in a language community .
2
Language Communities
(Speech Communities)
Words are symbols that have understood meaning to the people in a language community .
What communities exist in this room?
3
4
Words are Symbols
Arbitrary Ambiguous Abstract
5
Symbols are Arbitrary
Words do not necessarily have inherent meanings; rather, we can assign meaning to words based on our own unique frame of reference.
7
Symbols are Ambiguous
Meanings are not clear cut, there are variations on what a word means.
8
Language is used to
1.
2.
3.
4.
Name, describe, classify, and limit Evaluate Discuss things outside our immediate environment Talk about language.
9
Language varies over time, across cultures, and with the situation.
Assignment
: Look up the word “niggardly.” Know the meaning.
Research the following incidents regarding the word: David Howard’s use of the word in January, 1999 and the events that followed.
Amelia Rideau’s problem with the word in February, 1999 at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Denotative Connotative
11
The dictionary definition The emotions linked to a word
13
Three Language Theories
• Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis • Symbolic Interactionism • Coordinated Management of Meaning
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
The structure of a culture’s language determines how people think in that culture.
Language defines the way a person behaves and thinks –You are restricted by your vocabulary.
Language is not simply a way of voicing ideas, but is the very thing which shapes our reality.
14
Thought controls language or Language controls thought?
Concept: “People who speak different languages perceive reality and think differently.”
Thought controls language or Language controls thought?
Concept: “People who speak different languages perceive reality and think differently.”
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Suggests: “Language and experience are so tightly related that language controls thought.
Thus: 1.
2.
You cannot think of things for which you have no language.
Our language creates and limits our reality.
3.
Your language choices reflect what you think about and how you think.
Do you agree?
Language and Meaning
pg 87 Symbolic Interactionism is a theory that claims the meaning of words is a product of social interaction. Whatever meaning a person has for a thing is a result of interactions with others about the thing, ie. the value of gold, diamonds or flowers.
People act toward things based on the meaning those things have for them, ie. flag burning.
18
Language and Meaning, con’t
pg 87 Coordinated management of meaning is a theory that demonstrates how people come to any agreement on the meaning of language and behavior. This says that one individual may subtly propose enacting a certain type of communication, but only when the other person accepts that proposal that the exchange and the rules been agreed upon that the meaning becomes coordinated , i.e. “flirting.” 19
20
Three Language Theories
1.
2.
3.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Symbolic Interactionism Coordinated Management of Meaning
Understanding cultural differences helps us understand differences in connotation
Individual Collective Low uncertainty avoidance Low-context Masculine
21
Low power distance High uncertainty avoidance High-context Feminine High power distance.
Individual Individual goals are emphasized more than group goals Low uncertainty avoidance Accept uncertainty and are tolerant of differing behavior
22
Low-context Messages are very direct Collective Group goals are emphasized more than individual goals High uncertainty avoidance Provide security and reduce risk - have little tolerance for deviant behavior High-context Messages are indirect – expect others to know how they’re feeling.
23
Masculine Cultures that expect people to maintain rigid sex roles Low power distance Cultures in which inequalities are played down Feminine Cultures that allow both men and women to take different roles High power distance Cultures in which people show respect for authority emphasizing titles, rank, and status.
Identify the 5 Connotative Descriptors for the United States?
Individual Collective Low uncertainty avoidance Low-context Masculine
24
Low power distance High uncertainty avoidance High-context Feminine High power distance.
Individual Low uncertainty Avoidance (Tolerant) Low-context (Direct – say what we mean) Masculine (rigid sex defined) Low power distance (downplay social
25
distances) United States
Gender Differences in Language 26
Differences between men’s speech and women’s speech are gender based. Da. . .
Women tend to use more intensifiers and hedges than men.
Women ask questions more frequently than men.
27
Choose language and symbols that are adapted to the needs, interests, knowledge, and attitudes of listeners in order to avoid language that alienates them.
28
Language Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be specific Use concrete words Date generalizations Index generalizations & avoid Marking
1. Language Tip
To increase language clarity, develop your vocabulary. This will allow you to use more precise, concrete language when you communicate with others.
30
Strategic Ambiguity
When a speaker chooses to use vague language when interacting with another person. Example, teenagers frequently choose to be more clear, specific, and definite when revealing information to peers than to parents. This serves to preserve family harmony and advances the teen’s natural drive toward independence. (Sillars, 1998)
31
2. Abstract to Concrete
Art Painting Oil Painting Impressionist Oil Painting Renoir’s La Promenade abstract concrete
2. Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete
Edward always finds something critical to say.
Mr. Wilcox is a fair grader.
Let’s keep our trip from getting too expensive.
Politicians are dishonest.
32
33 Group Exercise “He’s a Snake”
34 Instructions: A. Identify the names of 5 people you know. You may like or dislike them.
B. Identify one “concrete” word that describes each individual.
C. Back up each concrete word with an example.
Initials Concrete Word Example
Person #1 Person #2 Person #3 Person #4 Person #5
3. Date Information
35
Specify a time that indicates when a given fact was true or known to be true.
Palm Springs is really popular with the college crowd.
When we were in Palm Springs
two years ago
, it was really popular with the college crowd.
-Verderber/Verderber
36
4. Indexing(Qualified) Generalizations
Mentally or verbally accounting for individual differences Because men are stronger than women, Max is stronger than Barbara.
In general
, men are stronger than women, so Max is
probably
stronger than Barbara. -Verderber/Verderber
37
4. Generic Man
Policeman
Alternative
Police officer Man-made Synthetic All of mankind All the people in the world
-
Wood
38 4. How would you change the following terms to avoid sexism?
Fireman
Waitress
Repairman
Stewardess
Mailman
Chairman
Cleaning lady
Congressman
Anchorman
Freshman
39
4. Marking
The unnecessary addition of sex, race, age, or other designations to a general word.
Unnecessary
“He is planning to be a male kindergarten teacher.”
40
4. Marking
The unnecessary addition of sex, race, age, or other designations to a general word.
“He is planning to be a male kindergarten teacher.”
41
Practice Communication Accommodation
Communication accommodation theory explains that people change their language patterns to accommodate their partner. This is a practice is called convergence. It’s opposite is divergence.
42
Demonstrate Linguistic Sensitivity
Choosing language that respects others and avoids usages that others perceive as offensive.
43
Speaking Appropriately
Adapt to the situation.
Monitor your language to avoid:
Language that offends or alienates
Jargon & slang
Profanity
Generic “he” and “man” when referring to both men and women
Use I-language to own your thoughts and feelings.
44