Chapter 4: Verbal Messages COMM3 Verderber, Sellnow, and Verderber © 2014 Cengage Learning

Objectives: By the end of this class, you should be able to: List the characteristics of language Define language and dialect Eliminate bias from language © 2014 Cengage Learning

objective List the characteristics of language © 2014 Cengage Learning

Characteristics of Language Language is: – Arbitrary – Abstract – Constantly changing © 2014 Cengage Learning

Language Changes Over Time © 2011 Cengage Learning New words are constantly being invented and existing words abandoned or assigned new meanings. Some words become obsolete because the thing they represent is no longer used. Sometimes the meanings of existing words change. © 2014 Cengage Learning

It’s OK if I say it. Read “Reclaiming the Dictionary” Discuss: – What is your opinion about reclaiming derogatory terms? Do you think minority groups should continue to use tems they would find offensive if used by outsiders? Are they empowering themselves and depowering the language? Or are they only perpetuating the derogatory use of those terms?

objective Define language and dialect © 2014 Cengage Learning

Language A language is a system of symbols used by people to communicate. Each verbal language consists of: A lexicon, the collection of words and expressions A phonology, the sounds used to pronounce words Syntax and grammar, the rules for combining words to form sentences and larger units of expression. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Language Communities All people who understand a particular language are part of a language community. The five largest language communities in the world are Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindi. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Dialects A dialect is a unique form of a more general language spoken by a specific culture or co-culture.

Dialects – Smaller groups that speak a common dialect are known as speech communities. – Dialects exist on a continuum. The more commonalities shared by two dialects, the closer they are on the continuum. – No one dialect is better or worse than another. – Do You Speak American?

More characteristics of Language Semantic meaning Pragmatic meaning Sociolinguistic meaning

Semantics Semantic meaning is based on both the words themselves and how they are combined into meaningful units of expression. Our ability to express our thoughts and feelings and to understand others is limited by the size and accuracy of our vocabulary. Denotation is the direct, explicit meaning of a word found in the dictionary of a language community. Connotation the feelings or evaluations we associate with a word, also influences meaning. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Pragmatics Pragmatic meaning comes from understanding a message related to its conversational context. Whereas semantic meaning focuses on what the words mean, pragmatic meaning focuses on what people mean. Pragmatic meaning changes across speakers and situations. © 2011 Cengage Learning © 2014 Cengage Learning

Sociolinguistics Sociolinguistic meaning varies according to the norms of a particular culture or co-culture. Sociolinguistic misunderstandings occur when we interact with someone who operates using different norms regarding: – How words are combined – How and when to say what to whom – Verbal style © 2014 Cengage Learning

objective Eliminate bias from language

Bias in Language Race, Ethnicity, Nationality and Religion – “…I Jewed the dealer down.” – “You can’t have that back, you Indian giver.” – “She’s a real Bible banger.” – “He doesn’t have a Chinaman’s chance.” – “They gypped me.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc 18

Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexist (exclusive ) language Heterosexual language Homophobic language Generic language Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc 19

Biased Language Age Class Ability Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc 20

The finishing plant was the scene of a confrontation today when two ladies from the morning shift accused a foreman of sexual harassment. Marilyn Humphrey, a black inspector, and Margaret Sawyer, an assembly-line worker, accused Mr. Engerrand of making suggestive comments. Mr. Engerrand, who is 62 years old and an epileptic, denies the charges and said that he thought the girls were trying to gyp the company with their demand for a cash award. Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc 21

Mr. Watkins argued that the 62-year-old Kathy Smith should be replaced because she doesn't dress appropriately for her receptionist position. However, the human-resources director, who is female, countered that we don't pay any of the girls in clerical positions well enough for them to buy appropriate attire. Mr. Watkins did acknowledge that the receptionist, who is a paraplegic, is well suited for her receptionist job. He added that he just wished she would dress more businesslike instead of wearing the colorful clothes and makeup that reflect her immigrant background. Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc 22