The Abstraction Ladder of Language

Abstract Language Animal Dog Scrabbles

Language Use concrete language to promote understanding. Qualify language… 1) Generalizations – absolutes 2) Static language – inherent/fixed 3) Indexing – context, specific time/situations

Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete… Edward always finds something critical to say. Most people have lost any sense of personal responsibility. Let’s keep our trip from getting too expensive.

Qualified Language Increases the clarity of communication Qualify generalizations to avoid making a general statement an absolute one. “Politicians are crooked.” “A number of politicians have been shown to be dishonest.”

Indexing Static evaluation refers to assessments that suggest something is unchanging. “Don is irresponsible.” Indexing reminds us that our evaluation applies only to specific times and circumstances. “On the Task Committee, Don was irresponsible.”