1. University of Northern IA
Presentation prepared by:
Marilyn Shaw
University of Northern IA
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Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2. Chapter 4 Connecting through Verbal Communication
Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

3. This Chapter Will Help You:
Assess the importance of language in communication events
Demonstrate how the elements of language (sounds, words, grammar, and meaning) affect communication
Explain how language can create barriers to effective communication
Illustrate the impact of technology on language usage
Describe how accurate, vivid, immediate, appropriate, and metaphorical language can help you be a more effective communicator
Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

4. 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
Click on video below: Do you think language has power? oU
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5. Language Is Powerful Muted Group Theory Style-Switch
My husband and grandchildren fossil collecting

6. The Elements of Language
Sound
Words
Grammar
Meaning
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7. 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. For example—I say “That’s gross” in response to an ugly bug. The denotative meaning of gross is an aggregate of 12 dozen things. Connotatively, I meant that the bug was horrible, ugly, and disgusting. The meaning of gross came from my interpretation, not the word.
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8. The Ladder of Abstraction
Life
Human
Person
Employee
Roommate
Friend
Best Friend
Derek
Abstract
Concrete
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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-Based Barriers to Communication
Meanings Can Be Misunderstood
Language Can Shape Our Attitudes
Language Can Cause Polarization
Language Can be Sexist or Homophobic
Culture Affects Language Use
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11. Discuss and Reflect
Photo courtesy of Marilyn Shaw
This is a sign and artifact that was left on my car. What is its denotative meaning? What is its connotative meaning?
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12. Language and Technology
Refines culture
Advantages vs. disadvantages
Influence on thought
Chapter 4 page 92
© Juice Images/Alamy
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13. How to Use Language Effectively
Use Accurate Language
Use Vivid Language
Use Immediate Language
Use Appropriate Language
Use Metaphorical Language
Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

14. Chapter 4
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