1. Words have the power to create and reflect a culture.

2. Two Words: Star Trek

3. StarTrek Star Trek?

4. This is Star Trek...

7. This is Star Trek?!?!?

9. http://www.startrekmovie.com/

10. Words have the power to create and reflect a culture.

11. What is language? A collection of symbols governed by rules that are used to convey messages between individuals.

12. Denotations Vs. Connotations Denotations:  Meaning is objective, concrete, literal. Connotations:  Meaning is subjective/emotional.

13. What is the utility of language? Language shapes perceptions, and perceptions shape behavior. Language= “Smoke ‘em out of their caves” Perception= Bush is Tough/Strong. Behavior= Vote for Bush on 11.2.04!!!!

14. Why study language? Whoever assigns “names” to objects in a culture has the power to influence what the culture finds important. CBS Sports  “Patriots are football gods.” ESPN  “Tom Brady is the greatest ever!” Culture  “Obviously the New England Patriots are the greatest sports team ever and will win the Super Bowl.”

15. How does gender influence language? Women tend to:  use language to connect and relate  talk about who they are with  use indirect language  ask more questions

16. How does gender influence communication? Men tend to:  use language to create status  talk to get things done  talk about what they do  use more direct language  interrupt others for control

17. How can language skills be improved? 1)Avoid intentional confusion  Avoid Empty language (metatalk)  Avoid Ambiguities  Avoid Clichés  Avoid Euphemisms

18. How can language skills be improved? 2) Use descriptiveness (describe behavior instead of offering judgments)  Check Perceptions  Paraphrase  Use Operational Definitions  Define Your Terms

19. How can language skills be improved? 2) Be Concrete (use specific statements)  Dating (chronological reference)  Indexing (topical reference)

20. How can language skills be improved? 4) Differentiate between Observations and Inferences  Observe- describe what is sensed  Infer- conclude based on observations

21. How can language skills be improved? 3) Demonstrate Cultural Competence  Respond to people of all backgrounds in a way that values their worth and dignity.

22. Words have the power to create and reflect a culture.