DEFINING LANGUAGE Verbal Communication CHARACTERISTICS OF ORAL LANGUAGE

DEFINING LANGUAGE

Verbal Communication: CHARACTERISTICS OF ORAL LANGUAGE Structure Real world as perceived by speaker Meaning Vocabulary Sound Grammar Message as heard by listener

• Meaning – Denotation SOUND • Dictionary meaning of a word – Connotation • Emotions or feelings associated with a word -Stubborn vs persistent • Vocabulary: words that make up a language – Words are symbols DICTION Pronunciation Regional Articulation – Vocabulary adds interest – Vocabulary is symbolic • Structure: -the way parts of language arranged • Grammar: - rules of language • Sound: DIALECT Ethnic/Cultural Enunciation

SOUNDS * Diction: clarity and distinctness – Pronunciation • Articulation (consonants) – Slurring Louie – Substitution – Addition – Omission • Enunciation (vowels) - Deal / Dill * Dialect: combination on speech sounds that identify speech with a particular group

Levels of Language Use • • Formal: conforms to highly strict rules Technical: associated with a particular activity, profession, or field of study (jargon) Standard: used by the majority of communicators within a specific language Informal: used in casual situations – Colloquialism: term or phrase associated with a specific regional culture – Slang: temporary language that is used for a brief period of time • Ungrammatical: does not use expected standards of grammar

Assignment • You will create a technical dictionary for an activity or profession that you choose. This dictionary must include – A cover with a title for your dictionary (10 pts) – A brief description of the type of dictionary, who it is useful for, and why you chose that field (10 pts) – 10 words or phrases and definitions (30 pts)