A collection of symbols, governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals

Language: a collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals.

Symbols: arbitrary constructions that represent a communicator's thought.

Meanings Are in People, Not Words

Ogden and Richard Triangle of Meaning

A collection of symbols, governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals

Language is Rule Governed

  1. Phonological Rules
  2. Syntactic Rules
  3. Semantic Rules
  4. Pragmatic Rules

Govern how words sound when pronounces.

Govern the structure of language- the way symbols can be arranged.

Deal with the meaning of specific words.

Govern how people use language in everyday interaction, which communication theorists have charactorized as a series of speech acts.

  • Naming
  • Credibility
  • Status
  • Sexism and Racism

Language Reflects Attitude

  • Power
  • Affiliation
  • Attraction and Interest
  • Responsibility

  • Equivocal Language- have more than one correct dictionary definition.
  • Relative Words- gain their maening by comparison.
  • Slang and Jargon- Slang is language used by a group of people whose members belong to a similar coculture or other group. Jargon- specialized vocabulary that functions as a kind of short hand for people with common background and experiance.
  • Overly Abstract Language- objects, events, and ideas can be described with varying degrees of specificaty.

  • Confusing Facts and Opinion.
  • Confusing Facts and Inferences- conclusion arrived from interpretation of evidence.
  • Emotive Language- descripition anouncing attidude. 

  • Euphemisms
  • Equivocation- a deliberately vague statement that can be interpreted in more than one way.

  • Content
  • Reasons for Communicating
  • Conversational Style
  • Nongender Variables

  • Verbal Communication Language
    • Direct-Indirect
    • Elaborate-Succinct
    • Formal-Informal

Linguistic Relativism- language exerts a srtong influence on the perception of the people who speak it.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis- theory that the structure of a language shapes the worldview of its users.

a collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals 

arbitrary constructions that represent a communicator's thoughts. People react to the name not the thing. ex: not just words, but sign language, spit or saliva?

Language is governed by rules

phonological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic rules.

govern how words sound when pronounced ex: a farmer can produce produce.

govern the structure of language, words, and sentence form. ex; have you the cookies brought? also instant messaging typos 

deal with meanings of words. Semantic rules help us determine a bike is for riding and a book is for reading. allow all symbols to be understood the same way by everyone

tell us what uses and interpretations of a message are appropriate in context Ex: Boss and coworker

Language shapes attitudes

naming, credibility, status, sexism and racism.

first names are a linguistic element that shape attitudes about men and women ex: give a baby connection with namesake, give connection to culture,

Degree to which a speaker is perceived to be believable; COMPETENCE, CHARACTER, & CHARISMA are its major dimensions

the power of speech has a dramatic effect on how people see you and judge status. Seen as more competent and more self-confident. 

using he as he or she. it's a common mistake that people make. 

Language reflects attitudes

power, affiliation, convergence, divergence, linguistic intergroup bias

language patterns that add to or detract from a speaker's ability to influence others, as well as reflecting how a speaker feels about his or her degree of control over a situation. 

communicators who want to show affiliation with one another adapt their speech in a variety of ways, including their choice of vocabulary, rate of talking, number and plaement of pauses and level of politeness. Also using different sets of words with your husband or close friends separates the way you talk to a coworker every couple times a week.

when two people feel equally positive about one another, their linguistic convergence will be mutual. when communicators needs or want the approval of others they often adapt their speech to suit the other's style, trying to say "the right thing" or speak in a way to help them fit in. 

people who want to set themselves apart from others adopt the strategy of divergence. EX: me and vicky speaking greek to each other around heather lamp becasue we didn't like her. 

Linguistic intergroup bias describes affiliation. 

in-group member we think positively of and out-group members we think negatively of. If an in group gives money to a homeless person he or she is generous.. If an out of group member gives money to a homeless person he or she is viewed as giving money away (negative)

these people want our help(positive) those people want our elp (negative)

It's good (positive) It's not bad(less positive)

dick an jane or jane and dick

language open to more than one interpretation. People can misinterpret equivocal language.

gain meaning by comparison. do you go to a big school or a small school?
It all depends on what kind of school you go to, if its big or small.

language use by a group of people whose members belong to a similar co-culture or other group. Some slang is related to specialized interests and activities. cyclists talk about bonking.

Words/phrases that pertain to a particular area. EX: When Alaskans say "I'm going outside" they mean they are leaving the state

specialized vocab that function as a kind of short hand for people wth common backgrounds and experience 

are based on the speakers beliefs 

conclusions arrived from an interpretation of evidence 

intending to be vague or to avoid

words and phrases used to evade unpleasant realities
killing = "unlawful or arbitrary deprivation of life" (somehow justifies it?)
not all euphemisms are doublespeak (i.e. passed away)

a deliberately vague statement that can be interpreted in more than one way. ambiguous speech 

Name the 3 dominant verbal communication styles across culture

1. direct vs. indirect 2. elaborate vs. succinct 3. instrumental vs. affective

the notion that the worldview of a culture is shaped and reflected by the language its members speak. 

What rules govern the meaning of language?

Language is rule-governed, as illustrated by the following rules. Phonological rules govern how sounds are combined to form words. Syntactic rules govern the way symbols can be arranged. Semantic rules help us understand the meaning of individual words.

What is a pragmatic rule?

In the case of a speech act, pragmatic rules are the social rules that determine how language can be used to perform that act: For example, they tell us how to make a promise, what sorts of statements count as promises, and what it means to make a promise.

What do syntactic rules govern?

Syntactic rules govern the order of words in a sentence. In some languages, such as German, syntax or word order is strictly prescribed. English syntax, in contrast, is relatively flexible and open to style. Still, there are definite combinations of words that are correct and incorrect in English.

Is a system of symbols and rules that is used for meaningful communication?

Language is a system of symbols and rules that is used for meaningful communication.