Fundamentals of Communication Chapter 3 Language and Meaning

Language l What is it? l A collection of symbols, letters or words with

Symbols l Arbitrary—they are not intrinsically connected to what they represent l Ambiguous—their meanings

Language Use is Rule-Guided l l l Semantics Syntax Pragmatics Phatic Communication Culturally Bound

Language is Arbitrary & Abstract l l Denotative Meaning Connotative Meaning

Abstract to Concrete Animal abstract Cat Scrabbles concrete

Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete. l l

Inventing symbols l l Divide into groups of 5 Each group will be assigned

Inventing symbols cont. l l Each group will present their symbol to the class

Language Use (Obstacle or Enhancement) l l l l l Grammatical Errors Colloquialisms Cliches

Improving Language Skills l l l Avoid Intentional Confusion (empty language) Use Descriptiveness Be

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Fundamentals of Communication Chapter 3 - Language and Meaning

Language l What is it?

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

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

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

Language is Arbitrary & Abstract l l Denotative Meaning Connotative Meaning

Abstract to Concrete Animal abstract Cat Scrabbles concrete

Rephrase each statement so that it is less abstract and more concrete. l l l 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.

Inventing symbols l l 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

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

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

Improving Language Skills l l l 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.