WOK: Language 9/29

Agenda Revisit quote from Monday Continue on with language as a way of knowing End goal – begin to form your own opinions – is language a reliable way of knowledge?

Quote 1 “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Ludwig Wittgenstein What were your thoughts and reactions?

Homework Take out your article on language Discuss some of the important/interesting/surprising ideas that you discovered or acknowledged

Language and values Value language Using language to persuade and influence Language at war Language and power

Value Language We use language to not only describe, but also to persuade and influence. For example, gossip and perspective

Language to influence and persuade Emotionally laden language Weasel Words Grammar Revealing and Concealing

Emotionally Laden Language Some words are not only descriptive, but also EMOTIVE “the aura of favorable or unfavorable feeling that hovers over a word” Connotation of the word Euphemisms Substitute mild or neutral sounding words for a negative sounding one

Questions In 1947, the US Dept of War was renamed the Dept of Defense. What difference, if any, did this make? Analyze the way language is being used in the following pair of expressions: Terrorist/freedom fighter Pro life/ pro choice Free speech/ hate speech Genetically Modified Food/ Frankenstein Food

Weasel Words They give you an escape route Many, should, probably… Our product will work for you if you follow the instructions carefully. Dentifresh toothpaste helps fight tooth decay. Our product can restore up to 25% loss of hair. If Tim works hard, he should do well on the test.

Grammar Grammar can affect how something is perceived - example: PASSIVE VOICE Many villages were bombed. We bombed many villages

Revealing and Concealing Language can REVEAL certain aspects of reality Language can CONCEAL by diverting attention The descriptions we use can affect how other’s see something/someone. I invited an attractive guy to the party. I invited a drummer to the party. I invited a marathon runner to the party. I invited a felon to the party.

Question “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” Agree? Disagree? Examples? Reasons?

Language at War Language is not innocent – it can manipulate how we see things Obvious at war time Dehumanize the enemy? Get public support? Our boys? War Speak? Neutralize/kill Take out/destroy Friendly fire/accidentally killing your own troops Liberate/invade No longer a factor/dead