Interpersonal Verbal

Language Communities (Speech Communities) Words are symbols that have understood meaning to the people in a language community.

Language Communities (Speech Communities) Words are symbols that have understood meaning to the people in a language community. What communities exist in this room? 3

Words are Symbols Arbitrary Ambiguous Abstract

Symbols are Arbitrary Words do not necessarily have inherent meanings; rather, we can assign meaning to words based on our own unique frame of reference.

Symbols are Arbitrary Words do not necessarily have inherent meanings; rather, we can assign meaning to words based on our own unique frame of reference.

Symbols are Ambiguous Meanings are not clear cut, there are variations on what a word means.

Language is used to Name, describe, classify, and limit Evaluate Discuss things outside our immediate environment Talk about language.

Language varies over time, across cultures, and with the situation.

Assignment: Look up the word “niggardly.” Know the meaning. Research the following incidents regarding the word: David Howard’s use of the word in January, 1999 and the events that followed. Amelia Rideau’s problem with the word in February, 1999 at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Denotative Connotative The emotions linked to a word The dictionary definition

Third World Backward Underdeveloped Corpse Dead body Loved one War Defensive response Massacre Coffin Casket Slumber chamber Heavy Overweight Obese Handkerchief Cloth tissue Nose rag Laying off Firing Downsizing Cheat Evade Use loopholes

Three Language Theories Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Symbolic Interactionism Coordinated Management of Meaning

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis The structure of a culture’s language determines how people think in that culture. Language defines the way a person behaves and thinks – You are restricted by your vocabulary. Language is not simply a way of voicing ideas, but is the very thing which shapes our reality.

Thought controls language or Language controls thought? Concept: “People who speak different languages perceive reality and think differently.”

Thought controls language or Language controls thought? Concept: “People who speak different languages perceive reality and think differently.”

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Suggests: “Language and experience are so tightly related that language controls thought. Thus: You cannot think of things for which you have no language. Our language creates and limits our reality. Your language choices reflect what you think about and how you think. Do you agree?

Language and Meaning pg 87 Symbolic Interactionism is a theory that claims the meaning of words is a product of social interaction. Whatever meaning a person has for a thing is a result of interactions with others about the thing, ie. the value of gold, diamonds or flowers. People act toward things based on the meaning those things have for them, ie. flag burning.

Language and Meaning, con’t pg 87 Coordinated management of meaning is a theory that demonstrates how people come to any agreement on the meaning of language and behavior. This says that one individual may subtly propose enacting a certain type of communication, but only when the other person accepts that proposal that the exchange and the rules been agreed upon that the meaning becomes coordinated - , i.e. “flirting.”

Three Language Theories Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Symbolic Interactionism Coordinated Management of Meaning

Understanding cultural differences helps us understand differences in connotation Individual Collective Low uncertainty avoidance High uncertainty avoidance Low-context High-context Masculine Feminine Low power-distance High power-distance.

Individual Collective High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty Individual goals are emphasized more than group goals Group goals are emphasized more than individual goals High uncertainty avoidance Low uncertainty avoidance Provide security and reduce risk - have little tolerance for deviant behavior Accept uncertainty and are tolerant of differing behavior Low-context High-context Messages are very direct Messages are indirect – expect others to know how they’re feeling.

Masculine Feminine Low power-distance High power-distance Cultures that expect people to maintain rigid sex roles Cultures that allow both men and women to take different roles Low power-distance High power-distance Cultures in which people show respect for authority emphasizing titles, rank, and status. Cultures in which inequalities are played down

Identify the 5 Connotative Descriptors for the United States? Individual Collective Low uncertainty avoidance High uncertainty avoidance Low-context High-context Masculine Feminine Low power-distance High power-distance.

United States Individual Low uncertainty Avoidance (Tolerant) Low-context (Direct – say what we mean) United States Masculine (rigid sex defined) Low power-distance (downplay social distances)

Gender Differences in Language Differences between men’s speech and women’s speech are gender based. Da. . . Women tend to use more intensifiers and hedges than men. Women ask questions more frequently than men. When you use technical terms I feel you know more than me and I feel insignificant. When you burp in front of my friends, I feel embarrassed. I appreciate your sensitivity to my hearing deficiencies. When you make plans without consulting me I feel that you are self-centered.

Choose language and symbols that are adapted to the needs, interests, knowledge, and attitudes of listeners in order to avoid language that alienates them.

Language Skills Be specific Use concrete words Date generalizations Index generalizations & avoid Marking

1. Language Tip To increase language clarity, develop your vocabulary. This will allow you to use more precise, concrete language when you communicate with others.

Strategic Ambiguity When a speaker chooses to use vague language when interacting with another person. Example, teenagers frequently choose to be more clear, specific, and definite when revealing information to peers than to parents. This serves to preserve family harmony and advances the teen’s natural drive toward independence. (Sillars, 1998)

2. Abstract to Concrete Art abstract Painting Oil Painting Impressionist Oil Painting Renoir’s La Promenade abstract concrete

2. Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete Edward always finds something critical to say. Mr. Wilcox is a fair grader. Let’s keep our trip from getting too expensive. Politicians are dishonest.

Group Exercise “He’s a Snake” 33

Initials Concrete Word Example Instructions: A. Identify the names of 5 people you know. You may like or dislike them. B. Identify one “concrete” word that describes each individual. C. Back up each concrete word with an example. Initials Concrete Word Example Person #1 Person #2 Person #3 Person #4 Person #5

3. Date Information Specify a time that indicates when a given fact was true or known to be true. Palm Springs is really popular with the college crowd. When we were in Palm Springs two years ago, it was really popular with the college crowd. -Verderber/Verderber

4. Indexing(Qualified) Generalizations Mentally or verbally accounting for individual differences Because men are stronger than women, Max is stronger than Barbara. In general, men are stronger than women, so Max is probably stronger than Barbara. -Verderber/Verderber

4. Generic Man Alternative Police officer Policeman Man-made Synthetic All of mankind All the people in the world -Wood

4. How would you change the following terms to avoid sexism? Fireman Waitress Repairman Stewardess Mailman Chairman Cleaning lady Congressman Anchorman Freshman Man-made Hand made Waitress Server Repairman Technician Mailman Mail Carrier Chairman Chair or Chairperson Cleaning Lady Cleaning Person Congressman Congressperson or Legislator Coed Female student Freshman First year student

4. Marking The unnecessary addition of sex, race, age, or other designations to a general word. Unnecessary “He is planning to be a male kindergarten teacher.” 39

4. Marking The unnecessary addition of sex, race, age, or other designations to a general word. “He is planning to be a male kindergarten teacher.”

Practice Communication Accommodation Communication accommodation theory explains that people change their language patterns to accommodate their partner. This is a practice is called convergence. It’s opposite is divergence.

Demonstrate Linguistic Sensitivity Choosing language that respects others and avoids usages that others perceive as offensive.

Speaking Appropriately Adapt to the situation. Monitor your language to avoid: Language that offends or alienates Jargon & slang Profanity Generic “he” and “man” when referring to both men and women Use I-language to own your thoughts and feelings.

Today’s Language What are five “new” words that have become popular in the last five years? What are five “old” (obsolete) words that are no longer commonly used. List five words with extremely negative emotional connotations in our society right now. List five common slang terms.