Chapter 7: Verbal Communication

Overview This chapter is about the importance of language and how language functions in communication. In this chapter, you will learn about the world of language, including the definition of language and its many characteristics. You will learn that language can be both an enhancement and an obstacle to communication. Finally, specific suggestions are provided for improving your verbal skills.

The text discusses five methods to avoid intentional confusion in messages (under the heading: How Can Language Skills Be Improved?). Explain how each of these can be incorporated into your daily life (provide examples for each).  We will discuss as a class in slide 17.

What is Language? A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate.

Language and speech are not the same thing Speech is a broad term simply referring to patterned verbal behavior.  In contrast, a language is a set of rules for generating speech. 

Language and Culture are Intertwined Culture: defined as all of the socially transmitted behavior patterns, beliefs, attitudes and values of a particular period, class, community, or population.

For discussion: Can a person belong to more than one culture? What cultures do you belong to? How does your language change among these various cultures?

Language and Culture A dialect is a variant of a language.  If it is associated with a geographically isolated speech community, it is referred to as a regional dialect.  However, if it is spoken by a speech community that is merely socially isolated, it is called a social dialect.  These latter dialects are mostly based on class, ethnicity , gender , age, and particular social situations

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis theorizes that thoughts and behavior are determined (or are at least partially influenced) by language. Our understanding of the world is determined by the language we use. In effect, we language reality into existence (a scary thought!).

Examples Example If I say ‘vegetarianism is good’ often enough then it will eventually become true. In fact it becomes a (not the) truth as I say it, at least for me. So what? Using it Understand the power of language. Use it to good effect. The pen and the mouth are truly more powerful than the sword. Defending it Understand the power of language. Hear how others are using it. Do not let their reality become your reality unless it makes sufficient sense to you.

Symbols   Symbols are sounds or things which have meaning given to them by the users.  Originally, the meaning is arbitrarily assigned.  For instance, the English word "dog" does not in any way physically resemble the animal it stands for.  All symbols have a material form but the meaning can not be discovered by mere sensory examination of their forms.  They are abstractions.

Examples of Symbols For instance, the English word "dog" does not in any way physically resemble the animal it stands for.  All symbols have a material form but the meaning can not be discovered by mere sensory examination of their forms.  They are abstractions.

For instance, the English word "dog" does not in any way physically resemble the animal it stands for.  All symbols have a material form but the meaning can not be discovered by mere sensory examination of their forms.  They are abstractions. Do the following words sound or look like the animal shown here: canis , chien , hund , perro ? (They all are words for dog in European languages.)

Language is arbitrary, organizes and clarifies reality, is abstract, and shape perceptions. Language employees rules of semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.

For discussion How does a person’s language use shape your perception of the individual?

Improving language use p. 76 Avoid intentional confusion Be more descriptive Be more concrete Differentiate between observations and inferences Demonstrate communication competence in your interaction with others

For discussion Explain how each of the five methods to avoid intentional confusion in messages these can be incorporated into your daily life (provide examples for each).

Unconventional language use Grammatical errors Clichés Euphemisms and doublespeak Slang Profanity Jargon Colloquialisms Regionalisms Sexist, racist, and heterosexist language.

Sample Clichés Ace in the Hole Back to the Drawing Board Bag of Bones Bark Up the Wrong Tree Beggars Can't Be Choosers Cart Before the Horse Chase a Rainbow Chip Off the Old Block Divide and Conquer Drop in the Bucket Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Fair Shake Filled to the Brim Fish in Troubled Waters Flip Your Lid Fly the Coop

For discussion Can you think of any other clichés?

Difference Between EUPHEMISM and DOUBLESPEAK??? Doublespeak implies an intent to mislead or deceive. Euphemism implies and attempt to soften something harsh.

Corporate euphemisms and doublespeak layoff, downsize, rightsize, headcount adjustment, RIF (reduction in force), realignment: mass dismissal of employees, usually due to business restructuring or economic conditions also counseled out, made redundant, let go, dismissed, terminated, services are no longer required, et cetera, for firing in general job flexibility: lack of job security (where job security means an actual or implied promise of continued employment) outsource: dismissing in-house employees to hire cheaper labor provided by another organization. replacement workers: scabs or strikebreakers in labor disputes reliability enhancement: fix for a software bug.

Colloquialisms Words and phrases that are used informally. We often use colorful or colloquial phrases in spoken English that are inappropriate in formal written English. Be sure to edit these phrases out of your written work, replacing them with more precise language.

Examples Incorrect: On arriving at the scene of the crime, the officer tore up the stairs in search of the big enchilada. Correct: On arriving at the scene of the crime, the officer ran up the stairs in search of the leader of the crime syndicate.

Examples In the preceding example, the colloquial phrases "tore up the stairs" and "big enchilada" have more than one meaning. As a result, more precise language is more appropriate.   Incorrect: On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt kicked the bucket. Also Incorrect: On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt passed on to her heavenly reward. Better: Ms. DeWitt died on December 12, 1992.

Regionalisms In the South it’s called Coke, even when it’s Pepsi. Many in Boston say tonic. A precious few even order a fizzy drink. What many call a "Submarine sandwich" or just "Sub" == PA / Philly NJ: hoagie, NY: hero (I'm told its from the Greek "Gyro" which is pronounced more like "hero" than "gye-row") RI, MA: grinder ME: Italian sandwich LA (and other south?): Po’ boy Any other names for subs?