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Language is ambiguous

Language is ambiguous. Not an all or nothing concept Interpretation Context So why do meanings of words even matter?. Examples of meaning mattering. Murder vs. manslaughter Full vs. longer school day Vanity sizing “If it looks like a duck…”. Language and Translation.

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Language is ambiguous

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  1. Language is ambiguous • Not an all or nothing concept • Interpretation • Context • So why do meanings of words even matter?

  2. Examples of meaning mattering • Murder vs. manslaughter • Full vs. longer school day • Vanity sizing • “If it looks like a duck…”

  3. Language and Translation • Translation is inevitable • What are the three main problems with translating from one language to another? • What examples can you think of or find?

  4. Language and Translation, cont’d. • Context • Meaning dependent on context • Can’t know “large” without “small” • Can’t know “chat” without “talk,” “gossip,” and “discuss.”

  5. Language and Translation, cont’d. • Untranslatable • Waldeinsamkeit • Culaccino • Mångata • Ügyeskedö • Can you add to this list?

  6. Language and Translation, cont’d. • Idioms • A lightbulb went off in my head! • The cat’s out of the bag. • Kutyábolnemleszszalonna. (you can’t expect something good from a bad person)

  7. Language isn’t just about meaning. • How does language affects us otherwise?

  8. Language as a labelling system • Both advantages and disadvantages • Advantage—efficient and economical (e.g. animals in a zoo) • Disadvantage—mislabelling can occur (“Sure, those berries are safe.”) • What are advantages and disadvantages of classifying peope according to their nationality?

  9. Language allows us to… • Categorize • Generalize • Stereotype

  10. From labels to stereotypes • What typically differentiates a stereotype from a generalization? • What stereotypes can you think of?

  11. Sapir-Whorf • Language determines our experience with reality • Our sight and thought is limited because of language

  12. Sapir-Whorf supporters • Look at the experiment with the Japanese women (p. 69/70) • How Language Shapes Thought article

  13. Sapir-Whorf critics • It is possible to think without language (babies can do simple arithmetic) • Some (e.g. Einstein) say language plays a secondary role in thinking • We can’t express a feeling in words • How do we get new words if language determines thought? (chicken and egg conundrum) • So maybe language influences rather than determines thought

  14. Language of persuasion and influence • Emotionally laden language is dependent on connotations • e.g freedom fighter v. rebel/terrorist • Euphemisms, e.g. rest room v. toilet

  15. Language of persuasion and influence • Weasel words allow an “out” • p. 74 • Weasel stats exist, too; Product x has been shown to be effective 9 out of 10 times

  16. Language of persuasion and influence • Grammar allows us to phrase things actively or passively. • Language can be used to reveal or conceal • Political correctness tries to iron out some of the thornier aspects of language, but at times can go too far

  17. Knowing what you know now… • “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” • Agree or disagree? Provide examples

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