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Fundamentals of Communication. Chapter 3- Language and Meaning. Language. What is it?. Language. What is it? A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate. Language. What is it?
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Fundamentals of Communication Chapter 3- Language and Meaning
Language • What is it?
Language • What is it? • A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate.
Language • What is it? • A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate.
Symbols • Arbitrary—they are not intrinsically connected to what they represent • Ambiguous—their meanings are not clear cut or fixed • Abstract—they are not concrete or tangible • Because symbols require interpretation, communication is an ongoing process of creating meanings.
Language Use is Rule-Guided • Semantics • Syntax • Pragmatics • Phatic Communication • Culturally Bound • Organizes and Clarifies Reality
Language is Arbitrary & Abstract • Denotative Meaning • Connotative Meaning
Abstract to Concrete Animal Cat Scrabbles abstract concrete
Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete. • Edward always finds something critical to say. • Most people have lost any sense of personal responsibility. • Let’s keep our trip from getting too expensive.
Inventing symbols • Divide into groups of 5 • Each group will be assigned to invent a new symbol for one of the following: • Handicapped access • Icy bridge • Lethal chemicals • Unsafe area for walking • Flood zone
Inventing symbols cont. • Each group will present their symbol to the class • Discuss the utility and clarity of the proposed symbols
Language Use (Obstacle or Enhancement) • Grammatical Errors • Colloquialisms • Cliches • Euphemisms & Doublespeak • Slang • Profanity • Jargon • Regionalism • Sexist, Racist, and Heterosexist Language
Improving Language Skills • Avoid Intentional Confusion (empty language) • Use Descriptiveness • Be Concrete • Differentiate Observations/Inferences • Cultural Competence • Each of us has an ethical responsibility to guard against engaging in uncivil speech as well as not tolerating it from others.