1. Fundamentals of Communication Chapter 3- Language and Meaning

2. Language What is it?

3. Language What is it? A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate.

4. Language What is it? A collection of symbols, letters or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate.

5. Symbols Arbitrary—they are not intrinsically connected to what they represent Ambiguous—their meanings are not clear cut or fixed Abstract—they are not concrete or tangible Because symbols require interpretation, communication is an ongoing process of creating meanings.

6. Language Use is Rule-Guided Semantics Syntax Pragmatics Phatic Communication Culturally Bound Organizes and Clarifies Reality

7. Language is Arbitrary & Abstract Denotative Meaning Connotative Meaning

8. Abstract to Concrete Animal Cat Scrabbles abstract concrete

9. 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.

10. Inventing symbols Divide into groups of 5 Each group will be assigned to invent a new symbol for one of the following: Handicapped access Icy bridge Lethal chemicals Unsafe area for walking Flood zone

11. Inventing symbols cont. Each group will present their symbol to the class Discuss the utility and clarity of the proposed symbols

12. Language Use (Obstacle or Enhancement) Grammatical Errors Colloquialisms Cliches Euphemisms & Doublespeak Slang Profanity Jargon Regionalism Sexist, Racist, and Heterosexist Language

13. Improving Language Skills Avoid Intentional Confusion (empty language) Use Descriptiveness Be Concrete Differentiate Observations/Inferences Cultural Competence Each of us has an ethical responsibility to guard against engaging in uncivil speech as well as not tolerating it from others.