Language and Speaking Language Systems of verbal symbols

Language and Speaking

Language • Systems of verbal symbols – Words are the various verbal combinations of symbols • Words and language help us form “names” for things around us – We are accepting the names assigned before us and will pass these names down to the next generation

Denotation • The meaning you find in the dictionary • Ambiguous words have more than one meaning – The words you recognized during the discussion • Jargon is a specialized, technical vocabulary that serves the interests and activities of a particular group

• • Examples of Jargon RTI PLC Common Core Examples of jargon specific to education • With a partner, come up with jargon specific to a career of your choice.

Connotation • The cultural definition – The meaning we assign to words • Epithets – Words or phrases with negative connotations • Euphemisms – An agreeable or inoffensive term; mask unpleasant situations

Oral v. Written ORAL STYLE Style WRITTEN STYLE Dynamic, interactive Static Short, simple, concrete but vivid words More complex words, great vocabulary variety Shorter sentences, fragments acceptable Longer, more complex and complete sentences Less formal, more personalized language More formal, precise language Repetition of words and ideas Less repetition; readers can stop, ponder, reread, and look up words More engaging; speakers adds nonverbal emphasis Not able to emphasize meanings nonverbally

Developing Effective Oral • Be concise Style – Avoid nonessential, filler words – Those words that just take up time • Use familiar words – Avoid jargon when possible – Provide definitions for unavoidable jargon

Developing Effective Oral • Be concrete Style – Specific – Provides a more vivid image for the listener • Build in Repetition – Repeat the same words or phrases at the beginning of clauses or sentences

Developing Effective Oral • Use Vivid Language Style – Keeps listeners'’ attention and interest • Alliteration – Words that start with the same sound • Rhyme – Words that end with the same sound

Developing Effective Oral • Metaphor Style – Comparison of two unlike items • Simile – Comparison using like or as • Personification – Giving human qualities to nonhuman items

Developing Effective Oral • Use Appropriate Forms Style – More formal, less slang • Avoid the “gonna” and use “going to” • Use Ethics – Inclusive Language • Includes groups of people

Inclusive Terminology • Racist Language – Privileges one race over another • Ageist Language – Negatively discusses older people • Sexist Language – Privileges males over females

Nonparallel Think of an example of nonparallel language in our society.

Developing Effective Oral • Pluralistic. Style Audiences –Bilingualism • People are speaking multiple languages • Effective public speakers recognize this and do what they can to adapt their speech for both native and nonnative