1 Language: Barrier or Bridge Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Chapter Summary Language Is Symbolic Understanding and Misunderstanding The Impact of Language Gender and Language Culture and Language

2 Language is Symbolic Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Signs Signs have a direct connection with communication. Language is symbolic. Symbols enable more effective communication. Not all languages use the same symbols. Messages mean different things to different people. “Take a little off the top,” means one thing to you and another to the barber.

3 Understanding and Misunderstanding Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Understanding Words Semantic Rules The way users of language assign meaning to a word Bikes are for riding, and books are for reading. Equivocation Statements that have more than one associated meaning Some amusing newspaper headlines: “Family Catches Fire Just in Time; “Trees can break wind”; and “Man Stuck on Toilet - Stool Suspected.”

4 Understanding and Misunderstanding Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Understanding Words Relative Language Words that gain meaning by comparison “Fast and Slow,” “Smart and Stupid,” “Short and Long” Relative language is not always clear. How cheap is cheap? Static Evaluation Statements that contain or imply the word “is” Subscripting is a device that reduces static evaluation.

5 Understanding and Misunderstanding Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Understanding Words Abstraction Abstract vs. Behavior Language Specific things people do or say Overly abstract language can lead to serious problems. Specific language can be undesirable and even seen as rude. FIGURE 5.1 Page 161

6 Understanding and Misunderstanding Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Understanding Structure Syntactic Rules Govern the grammar of language Tend to be noticed when they’re violated African-American English (AAE) Important to look past syntax in order to avoid miscommunication “I be angry,” vs. “I am angry.”

7 Understanding and Misunderstanding Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Understanding Context Pragmatic Rules Pragmatic rules govern the way speech works in everyday interaction. Pragmatic rules govern common sayings such as: “How’s it going?” and “What’s up?” If someone were to answer these questions literally, we’d be confused. Even has PRAGMATIC RULES!!! (stop yelling)

8 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Naming and Identity Research suggests that names are more than just means of identification. Names can shape and reinforce a child's identity. Naming a child after a family member can create a bond. Names also play a role in the identity of groups. Labeling of ethnic groups has changed as our culture has developed different sensitivities.

9 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Affiliation Communicators are attracted to those with similar speaking styles. Communicators who wish to show group affiliation will adapt. This process is called convergence. Convergence can also take place in the virtual world. and IM users have commonly recognized acronyms: “LOL,” “ROTFL,” “JK,” and “BRB.” Can you think of any others?

10 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Power Notice the difference between the two statements: “Excuse me, sir. I hate to say this, but I... uh... I guess I won’t be able to turn in the assignment on time. I had a personal emergency, and... well...it was just impossible to finish it by today. I’ll have it on your desk on Monday, OK?” “I won’t be able to turn in the assignment on time. I had a personal emergency, and it was impossible to finish it by today. I’ll have it on your desk Monday.” or

11 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Disruptive Language Opinion Statements Opinion statements can never be proved or disproved. Consider these examples from page 173. You tell a lot of ethnic jokes. You’re a bigot. You forgot my birthday. You don’t care about me. Fact Opinion You keep interrupting me. You’re a control freak.

12 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Disruptive Language Fact-Inference Confusion Conclusions arrived at from an interpretation of evidence Instead of trying to guess the other person’s emotion, use the skill of perception checking we learned in Chapter 3. Emotive Language Seems to describe something but actually announces the speaker’s attitude toward it

13 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Disruptive Language Remember to take responsibility for your emotions. Non-emotive statements are more accurate and have a better chance of being received accurately by others.

14 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  The Language of Responsibility “It” These statements replace the personal pronoun “I” with “it.” “I” language clearly Identifies the speaker. “But” The word “but” cancels the thought before it. “You’re a really great person, but I think we should see other people.” “You’ve done great work for us, but we’re going to have to let you go.”

15 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  The Language of Responsibility “I” and “You” Language “I” language accepts responsibility. “You” expresses judgment. “You left this place a mess!” “You didn’t keep your promise!” “You” language doesn’t have to contain the word “you.” “That was a stupid joke,” translates to “Your jokes are stupid.” “Mind your own business,” translates to “You’re too nosey.”

16 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  The Language of Responsibility A complete “I” statement has four elements. It describes the other person’s behavior; your interpretation; your feelings; the consequence that the other person’s behavior has for you. Even the best “I” statements won’t work unless they’re delivered correctly.

17 The Impact of Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  The Language of Responsibility “We” Language Implies the issue is the concern of both parties “We need to figure out a budget that doesn’t bankrupt us.” “We aren’t doing a very good job of keeping this place clean.” “We” language suggests that “we’re” in this together. “We” statements are not always appropriate.

18 Gender and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Content Conversation Traits Female Personal and domestic subjects Relationships Family Health Reproductive matters Male Music Current events Sports Business Other men

19 Gender and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Reasons for Communicating The goals of almost all ordinary conversations contain Being friendly; Showing interest; Talking about topics that interest the other person. If these rules are ignored, the conversation can become unpleasant for all who are involved.

20 Gender and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Conversational Style Women ask more questions in mixed-sex conversations. Men tend to interrupt more in mixed-sex conversations. Women use conversation to pursue social needs. Statements of emotion are much more common: “I’ve felt the same way myself.” “How did you feel about that?” Accommodating language is not always a disadvantage.

21 Gender and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Nongender Variables The link between gender and language is not clear cut. The language between the sexes is more similar than different. Woman use less powerful language. Historical role in society at large Powerless speech can help build rapport. Men and women speak within their gender roles.

22 Culture and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Verbal Communication Styles Each language has its own unique style. Verbal styles vary in their directness. High-context cultures Value language to maintain social harmony Low-context cultures Value language to express thoughts and feelings Is the language Elaborate or Succinct?

23 Culture and Language Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Language and Worldview Linguistic Relativism The worldview of a culture is shaped and reflected by the language its members speak.

24 Language: Barrier or Bridge Looking Out, Looking In 12 th Edition  Chapter Summary Language Is Symbolic Understanding and Misunderstanding The Impact of Language Gender and Language Culture and Language