1. Language

2. The Nature of Language
Language: a collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals.
Language is symbolic
Arbitrary constructions that represent a communicator’s thoughts.

3. Meanings are in people, not words.
User
Word
(Symbol)
Thing
(Referent)

4. Language is Rule Governed
Phonological Rules
Word pronunciations
Syntactic Rules
Rules of syntax/grammar.
Semantic Rules
Give words meaning.
Pragmatic Rules
Govern how we use language p.75

5. The Power of Language Language Shapes Attitudes
Naming
Credibility
Status
Sexism and Racism
Language Reflects Attitudes
Power
Powerful vs. powerless
Affiliation
Convergence vs. divergence
Attraction and Interest
Responsibility

6. Billy Bob Booger Esq. Education: Experience:
Harvard Law School
Stanford University
B.S. Biophysics and Psychobiology
Experience:
1995-Present Microsoft Corporation
Director of Internal Affairs
Franklin Covey
Head Consultant and Trainer

7. Troublesome Language Misunderstandings Slang Equivocal Language
“we need to talk”
Relative Words
Person A:“The coffee is so strong”
Person B: “Actually, it’s quite weak”
Slang
Used by groups of people whose members belong to a similar group.
Jargon
Specialized vocabulary used by people with common background and experience.
Overly Abstract Language
Ambiguity

8. Confusing facts and opinions
Disruptive Language
Confusing facts and opinions
Facts are true or false
Opinions are speaker’s beliefs.
Confusing facts and inferences
Conclusions made based on little evidence.
Emotive Language
Describe the speakers opinions based on how the speaker presents the message.
Evasive Language
Euphemisms
Words substituted in place of taboo words.
Equivocation
Intentionally ambiguous speech.

9. Gender and Language Content Reasons for Communicating
Research shows that men and women discuss similar topics in same-sex conversations.
Reasons for Communicating
P.96
Conversational Style
Women ask more tag questions than men.
Men interrupt women more during conversation.
Women accommodate more to topics men use.

10. Culture and Language Verbal Communication Styles Low-Context
Use direct language to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas as clearly and logically as possible.
High-Context
Use the context in which a message is delivered in order to express and discover meaning.