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Chapter 4

Chapter 4. Verbal Communication. Language. The system of symbols (words) that we use to think about and communicate experiences and feelings. The Nature of Language. Language is symbolic Words have multiple meanings Denotative meanings Connotative meanings

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Chapter 4

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  1. Chapter 4 Verbal Communication

  2. Language The system of symbols (words) that we use to think about and communicate experiences and feelings

  3. The Nature of Language • Language is symbolic • Words have multiple meanings • Denotative meanings • Connotative meanings • Thought informs language and vice versa (cognitive language) • E.G. What is a “good school?”

  4. The Nature of Language • Language is ruled by grammar • Phonological rules • Syntactic rules • Language is bound by context • Would you talk to your grandparents the same way you would talk to your friends?

  5. The Functions of Language • Communication acquisition • Learn words of a language • Learn to use words appropriately and effectivelyin the context of the situation

  6. Functional Communication Competencies • Using language as a means of control • E.G. Verbally abusive relationships • Using language to share information • Using language to express feelings • “I’m tired”, “I’m frustrated”, “I’m starving” • Using language to express creativity • E.G. J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” • Don McLean’s “Vincent” • Using language as a form of ritual • Saying the “right thing” at a wedding reception”

  7. Using Language as a Means of Control Control as a neutral term

  8. Using Language as a Means of Control

  9. Using Language to Share Information Giving and receiving information

  10. Using Language to Express Feelings Sending messages to others to express how we feel about ourselves, about them, or about the situation “Appropriate and effective” requirement

  11. Using Language to Express Creativity

  12. Using Language as Ritual

  13. Problems with Language • Abstraction and meaning • High- and Low-level abstractions • “Pick up a pizza tonight” V.S. “Pick up a veggie pizza on wheat crust from Michelangelo's.” • Evasion • Mom: “Where are you going?” • Son: “Just out, Mom!”

  14. Problems with Language cont. • Equivocation • “That’s not an ugly sweater, Honey. It’s… colorful!” • Euphemism • He didn't’t die, he passed away. • Slang/Jargon • Poker Jargon

  15. Problems with Language • Confusing facts, opinions, and inferences • Fact: something true and verifiable • Opinion: personal evaluations • Inferences: conclusions about what we observe

  16. Language in Context • Language reflects context (Have a variety of speech repertoires) • Language builds on context (Adjust language to situation) If you have a good relation with a stepparent, you might call them Mom or Dad • Language determines context (Choose formal / informal language) “Call me Brent”

  17. Limits of Labeling

  18. Relational Context We moderate our language based on the status of our relationships

  19. Relational Context

  20. Situational Context High language: formal, polite, or “mainstream” language Low language: easy going language for more comfortable environments

  21. Cultural Context • Culture, words, and thought • Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

  22. Language in Context • The cultural context (cont.) • Gender and language • Interruptions • Qualifiers, hedges, disclaimers • Tag Questions • Resistance Messages • Geography and language • Accommodation

  23. Language in Context • Technology as Context • When using technology, you must use strong, clear language to make up for lack of nonverbal cues • English has become the language of technology • Acronyms and emoticons can enhance communication

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