VERBAL COMMUNICATION Day.2

FOUNDATIONS OF VERBAL LANGUAGE What is LANGUAGE? “Is a system of human communication based on speech sounds used as random symbols.”

Researchers agree that people first used gestures to communicate and later developed a code by which to communicate orally. Language does not remain static; it is constantly changing as it reflects changes in technology, lifestyles and social attitudes.

The study of language involves the study of meaning, meaning based on words, the way the words are placed together, the backgrounds and experiences of communicators. The channels by which the words are carried help create their meaning.

WORDS…  Words, the basic elements of language, are verbal symbols. A word is merely “a verbal symbol of the object for which it stands”. VERBAL SYMBOL-REFERENT

SYMBOL AND SIGN  a symbol is something used for or regarded as something else. (the image of a lion can serve as a symbol of courage). (Güneş- sun-sonne). (a musical sign-symbol) Sign  when you speak to someone you are making signs at them. Once we learn a system of verbal symbols we can use language to communicate. Words are meaningful only after we associate them with some referrents.

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION Denotation : the primary associations a word has for most members of a given linguistic community. Connotation: secondary associations a word has for one or more members of that community. Ex. My favourite flower is rose (denotation) My love, you are my rose (connotation) Negative – Positive Connotation Words can elicit such powerful emotional reactions, they are often said to have negative or positive connotations for people.

Two sources of confusion about words or phrases: if we use the same word, we must agree (but each of us interpret the word differently) Ex. At the Gynocologist joke (rahim) if we use different words, we must disagree (but we may be using different words that have the same referrent).

LANGUAGE PROBLEMS 1. Abstract Language: vagueness of words. 2. Inferences:conclusions/judgments derived from evidence or assumptions. 3. Dichotomies: polar words. 4. Euphemism: used for politeness

1. Abstract language is vague, causing decoding difficulties   1. Abstract language is vague, causing decoding difficulties a. The more abstract the term the greater the chance for error Ex: Clever, beautiful, tired… 2. Inferences are conclusions/judgments derived from evidence or assumptions a. Inferences are common/essential to everyday life b. To improve we must listen to distinguish fact and inference c. “To be” verbs make no distinction between fact and inference Ex. If we look at the redness on your face you have a high blood pressure

Dichotomies are polar words a. English is two-valued (has an excess of polar words) b. Dichotomies tend to be phrased as either/or choices c. False dichotomies oversimplify and lose information d. To avoid false dichotomies ask, “How much or to what extent”? Ex. Are you using cigarettes or alcohol?

Ex. Hakkın rahmentine kavuştu (öldü) Euphemisms are mild, vague, [empty] or less emotional words to substitute for more blunt words; generally used for politeness Ex. Hakkın rahmentine kavuştu (öldü) Etnik temizlik (soykırım) Uyutmak (ötenazi)

POWERLESS LANGUAGE 1-Powerless speech includes tag questions “isn’t it?” hegdes (kinda) – “I think” disclaimers “I probably shouldn’t say this”, hesitations “ımmmm, well”

2. “Feminine” style of politeness, exaggeration, hedging, illogical sequence, and nonassertion is perceived as less competent but warmer 3. Powerful style is perceived as more competent and attractive