1. Communication Applications
Chapter 4
Discovering the Power of Oral Language

2. The Nature of Oral Language
Defining Oral Language – language that is spoken and heard rather than written and read.
Language has rules
Language is like a Code
Each language system has its own set of agreed-upon conventions and rules that regulate the system and make it different from other languages.
English, Spanish, Russian, French, etc…
Speech choices should be appropriate for the specific situation or context.
Writing should be correct according to rules for the specific form.

3. Characteristics of Oral Language
Figure 4-1 page 102
Meaning – We communicate with others based on the meanings we assign to things around us and the symbols we use to communicate those meanings.
This is a learned behavior.
Vocabulary – all the word symbols that make up a particular code or language.
Symbolic – always open to interpretation
Appropriateness – know how to communicate in different contexts and situations
Don’t be boring – know and use a large vocabulary

4. Structure – the way the different parts of a language are arranged.
Example – Prefixes & Suffixes, also words can have different meaning depending on the context of use. He fixed it.
Grammar – the basic understandings and rules that regulate the use of a language.
Example – In Spanish, nouns come before adjectives. In English, nouns come after adjectives.
Sound – the observable characteristics of oral language.
The way you sound effects the messages you send.
People are often judged and labeled by the way they talk.

5. Characteristics of Speech Sound
Diction – the degree of clarity and distinctness in a person’s speech. Pg
Pronunciation – the standard set for the overall sound of a word.
Articulation – the act of clearly and distinctly uttering the consonant sounds of a word.
Omission – omitting or leaving out a consonant in a word.
Addition – adding extra consonant sounds to a word.
Substitution – subbing one sound for another.
Slurring – when consonant sounds are run together.
Enunciation – the act of clearly and distinctly uttering the vowel sounds of a word.

6. Dialect – either a language that exists only in oral form, or a unique combination of speech sounds that identify speech with a particular group of people.
Regional – the sound of a particular area.
Ethnic and Cultural – using the characteristics of one language when speaking another language.
Examples –1. During WWII, the Navajo language was only in oral form. 2. The “southern drawl”. 3. Newscasters and actors can change how they pronounce words.

7. Putting Language Into Perspective
Personal Implications of Oral Language
Projecting Image – Improve your vocabulary and speech if you want to be taken seriously.
Conveying Attitudes – Do you talk positively or negatively?
Determining Success – Many employers value strong verbal skills more than any other communication skills in their employees.
Cultural Implications of Oral Language
Grimm’s Law –Jakob & Wilhelm Grimm studied the uses of oral language while compiling the well-known Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

8. Developing Skills for Power Language
Characteristics of Power Language
Clarity – easy to understand
Courtesy and Tact – respectful communication
Ownership of Thoughts and Feelings – speaker takes responsibility
Inclusion of Others – including others in comm.
Vividness and Imagery – help visualize complex ideas
Appropriate Usage – takes context into consideration

9. Understanding Levels of Usage
Formal – there are strict standards dictating its use.
Technical – language associated with a particular profession, activity, or field of study. aka - jargon
Standard – language used by the majority of knowledgeable communication within a specific language. aka – correct speech

10. Choose Your Speaking Style by using your brains and common sense.
Informal – type of language most often used in casual situations and close interpersonal relationships.
Colloquialisms – a term associated with a specific regional culture. “till the cows come home”
Slang – temporary language because it typically is used for only a brief period of time by a limited group of people.
Ungrammatical – language that does not use expected standards of grammar or mechanics
Choose Your Speaking Style by using your brains and common sense.

11. Functions of Oral Language
Expressing and Responding to Feelings – keeping your cool and emphasizing with others will help you gain people’s trust and respect.
Giving and Seeking Information – asking questions and providing answers
Controlling and Persuading
Participating in Social Rituals – a communication situation that is frequently repeated in daily social interaction.
Creating and Imaging – learn new words

12. Language to Avoid
Denotation – a word’s objective description or meaning ---house
Connotation – the emotions or feelings with which it is associated ---home
Avoid Troublesome Language – see pg 125
Avoid Powerless Language
Fillers – a word or phrase used to cover up hesitancy in speech, like “um”, “like”, “you know”
Tags – a statement or question added to the end of a statement to invite approval
Vague Wording – not clear in your communication