Chapter 3 Language and Communication

Understand the power of language Identify the five functional competencies Recognize and address communication problems Understand that language reflects, builds on and determines context Chapter Objectives

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

Language is symbolic Words have multiple meanings –Denotative meanings –Connotative meanings Thought informs language and vice versa (cognitive language) The Nature of Language

Language is ruled by grammar –Phonological rules –Syntactic rules Language is bound by context The Nature of Language

Communication acquisition –Learn words of a language –Learn to use words appropriately and effectively in the context of the situation The Functions of Language

Functional Communication Competencies Using language as a means of control Using language to share information –Questioning –Describing –Reinforcing –Withholding

Functional Communication Competencies Using language to express feelings Using language to express creativity Using language as a form of ritual

Problems with Language Abstraction and meaning –High- and Low-level abstractions –Evasion –Equivocation –Euphemism –Slang/Jargon

Problems with Language Situation and meaning –Semantics –Pragmatics Limits of Labeling

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

The Dangers of Biased Language Biased language openly excludes or implies something negative about certain groups. Political correctness may not be the solution as it can focus attention on rhetorical arguments.

Language in Context Language reflects context (Have a variety of speech repertoires) Language builds on context (Adjust language to situation) Language determines context (Choose formal / informal language)

Language in Context The relational context The situational context –High language: formal, polite, or “mainstream” language –Low language: easy going language for more comfortable environments

Language in Context The cultural context –Culture, words, and thought Sapir-Whorf hypothesis Linguistic determinism/relativity –High and Low Context cultures

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

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