1. University of Northern IA
Presentation prepared by:
Marilyn Shaw
University of Northern IA
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2. Chapter 4 Connecting through Verbal Communication
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3. The Importance of Language
Language is a structured system of signs, sounds, gestures, or marks used to express ideas and feelings among people within a community
Language is powerful
Affects our thought
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4. Language Is Powerful
Muted Group Theory: suggests that power and status in communication are linked. Groups who feel underrepresented or marginalized feel more silenced then the dominate or more powerful groups in the society.
Style-Switch: refers to when people from a sub or co- culture will use one language or style with similar group members but will switch to the “dominant” or generally promoted culture when appropriate.
My husband and grandchildren fossil collecting

5. The Elements of Language
Sound
Words
Grammar
Meaning
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6. Meanings Are in People
Denotation is the common meaning associated with a word—standard dictionary meaning. Connotation—subjective meaning of a word, what a word suggests is based on the context in which the word is used.
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7. Concrete vs. Abstract Language
Concrete words: A symbol for a specific thing that can be pointed to or physically experienced.
Example: words that represent physical things: flag, car, dog. Even more specific by using the actual differentiations: American Flag, Mercedes, German Shepard
Communication using concrete words reduces the potential for misunderstandings

8. Concrete vs. Abstract Language
Abstract words: A symbol for an idea, feeling, quality or relationship.
Example: words that represent intangible things, things cannot be physically experienced through the sense: beauty, joy, liberty.
Communication using abstract words can create misunderstanding due to the subjective nature of abstract language and the different meanings they can hold to different people.

9. Language Commonalities and Obscurities
Commonalities in background, experience, and attitudes
Words mean different things to different people
Meanings of words change from time to time
Regional differences exist
Slang
Jargon
Euphemism
Doublespeak
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10. Language Can Obscure Meanings
Regional variations: The local expressions that vary from one geographic are to the next.
Slang: Cultural expressions influenced by popular, geographic, ethnic and regional culture within a group or community
Jargon: Technical language used by specific disciplines and groups that is too specialized for the general population.

11. Language Can Obscure Meanings
Euphemisms: The use of inoffensive or mild language in place of one that might offend, cause embarrassment, or suggest something unpleasant.
Doublespeak: The deliberate misuse or distortion of language to purposefully create vague meaning.

12. Language-Based Barriers to Communication
Attitude shaping
Indiscrimination: Neglecting individual differences and overemphasis of similarities; stereotyping.
Indexing: Technique to reduce stereotyping by recognizing individual differences by events persons or ideas.
Dating: A form of indexing that sorts people, events, or ideas by chronological timeline; generational identity

13. Language-Based Barriers to Communication (cont.)
Polarization: to view things in extremes
Pendulum effect: the escalating conflicts between two opposing points of view

14. Language-Based Barriers to Communication
Meanings Can Be Misunderstood
Language Can Shape Our Attitudes
Language Can Cause Polarization
Culture Affects Language Use
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15. Language-Based Barriers to Communication (cont.)
Culture
Linguistic determinism: Theory that language determines and shapes thought
Linguistic relativity: Theory that suggests that a person’s language community shapes perception

16. Language-Based Barriers to Communication (cont.)
Culture: Hall’s Theory of Context
High context: A culture in which of the meaning of the communication is driven from the location or situation
Low context: A culture in which the meaning of the communication is driven from the messages themselves.

17. Language and Technology
Refines and redefines culture
Advantages vs. disadvantages
Influence on thought
Changing the very vocabulary of modern language
Increasing the awareness of the world through social media and access to information
Chapter 4 page 92
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18. Language and Technology
Technology is redefining language and is creating an new perception of language
Terminology that is being absorbed in the culture – Social networking, texting, etc…

19. How to Use Language Effectively
Use vivid language: using direct and fresh language will bring a sense of excitement to your message
Use appropriate language: the situation will dictate which language will best received
Use accurate language: careful word choice can enhance your message.

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