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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
Connecting through Verbal Communication This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. Chapter 4 Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” --Mark Twain Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How Do You Define Language?
“Language is a structured system of signs, sounds, gestures, and marks that is used and understood to express ideas and feelings among people within a community, nation, geographic area, or cultural tradition.” Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Think of an occasion when you’ve miscommunicated due to a language problem. What was the specific language challenge? Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How Important Is Language?
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How is language important?
Language is powerful Language affects thought “The most powerful stimulus for changing minds is not a chemical. It is not a baseball bat. It is a word.” George A. Miller Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
Agree or Disagree? “Language is powerful, and what you say can either help you or hurt you.” Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Power of Appropriate Language
Muted group theory: Status and power are clearly linked. Women, ethnic minorities, out-groups have little voice. Style-switch: Move between the language of one’s coculture and language of the dominant culture to operate successfully. Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
What is the relationship between language, talk, speech, and communication? -- four different but related phenomena -- Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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What are the elements of language?
Sounds Words Grammar Meaning/Semantics Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Do Words Contain Meaning?
“But ‘glory’ doesn’t mean ‘a nice knock-down argument,’” Alice objected. “When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said “it means just what I choose it to mean--neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master--that’s all.” a word means just what I choose it to mean Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass Allyn & Bacon Digital Media Archive, © 1999 Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008 Copyright © 2005 by Allyn and Bacon 10
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What do we mean when we say, “meanings are not in words but in people?” Denotation is _______? Connotation is _______? Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How Do Words Communicate Meaning?
Both are dogs (denotation). How might connotations vary? Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Words Can Be Concrete or Abstract
The Ladder of Abstraction Cynthia Best Friend Friend Roommate Employee Person Concrete Abstract Human Life Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How Do Words Communicate Meaning?
Meaning depends on commonalties Myocardial infarction vs. heart attack? Communication apprehension vs. fear? Language can obscure meanings Regional variations? Slang or jargon? Euphemism? Doublespeak? Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Meanings change over time (dynamic). What words are “new” in our vocabulary in the last decade? For example: iPod jump drive Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Language, Meaning, and Humor
Church Bulletins Thursday night--Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. Welfare Department Letters I am forwarding my marriage certificate and six children. I have seven but one died and was baptized on half sheet of paper. I cannot pay the full amount at the moment as my husband is in hospital. As soon as I can I will send on the remains. Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How is language a barrier to communication?
Bypassing Indiscrimination Polarization Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Meanings Can Be Misunderstood:
Bypassing What is bypassing? To avoid bypassing, use these techniques: Be person-minded, not word-minded Query and paraphrase Be approachable Be sensitive to contexts Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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What place do stereotypes have in our communication?
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Language Can Shape Our Attitudes:
Indiscrimination What is indiscrimination? Indiscrimination often results in stereotyping How do you reduce indiscrimination in communication? Indexing Dating Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Language Can Lead to Extremes:
Polarization What is polarization? What is the pendulum effect? To avoid polarization: Reduce the use of extreme statements. Give specific information to reduce misunderstanding. Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Gender-Inclusive vs. Sexist
What is gender-inclusive language? What is sexist language? Avoid sexist language: Remove it from your communication. Practice and reinforce non-sexist language. Use polished rephrasing. Check root meanings of words. Check every outgoing message. Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
Alternative Language Common: Suggested: Mankind People, human beings, humanity Man hours Hours, staff hours, work hours, total hours Man-made Hand made synthetic, artificial The best man The best person for the job for the job Manpower Personnel, staff, human resources, available workers Useful hyperlink: Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How does culture affect language use?
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis Language helps us think. Culture and language are bound together. Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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How Can We Use Language More Effectively?
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How to Use Language Effectively
Use accurate language Use vivid language Use immediate language Use appropriate language Use metaphorical language Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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Copyright © Allyn and Bacon 2008
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