Language is ambiguous Not an all or nothing

Language is ambiguous �Not an all or nothing concept �Interpretation �Context �So why do meanings of words even matter?

Examples of meaning mattering �Murder vs. manslaughter �Full vs. longer school day �Vanity sizing �“If it looks like a duck…”

Language and Translation �Translation is inevitable �What are three main problems with translating from one language to another? �What examples can you think of or find?

Language and Translation, cont’d. �Context �Meaning dependent on context �Can’t know “large” without “small” �Can’t know “chat” without “talk, ” “gossip, ” and “discuss. ”

Language and Translation, cont’d. �Untranslatable �Waldeinsamkeit �Culaccino �Mångata �Ügyeskedö �Can you add to this list?

Language and Translation, cont’d. �Idioms �A lightbulb went off in my head! �The cat’s out of the bag. �Kutyábol nem lesz szalonna. (you can’t expect something good from a bad person)

Language isn’t just about meaning. �How does language affects us otherwise?

Language as a labelling system �Both advantages and disadvantages �Advantage—efficient and economical (e. g. animals in a zoo) �Disadvantage—mislabelling can occur (“Sure, those berries are safe. ”) �What are advantages and disadvantages of classifying peope according to their nationality?

Language allows us to… � Categorize � Generalize � Stereotype

From labels to stereotypes �What typically differentiates a stereotype from a generalization? �What stereotypes can you think of?

Sapir-Whorf �Language determines our experience with reality �Our sight and thought is limited because of language

Sapir-Whorf supporters �Look at the experiment with the Japanese women (p. 69/70) �How Language Shapes Thought article

Sapir-Whorf critics �It is possible to think without language (babies can do simple arithmetic) �Some (e. g. Einstein) say language plays a secondary role in thinking �We can’t express a feeling in words �How do we get new words if language determines thought? (chicken and egg conundrum) �So maybe language influences rather than determines thought

Language of persuasion and influence �Emotionally laden language is dependent on connotations �e. g freedom fighter v. rebel/terrorist �Euphemisms, e. g. rest room v. toilet

Language of persuasion and influence �Weasel words allow an “out” �p. 74 �Weasel stats exist, too; Product x has been shown to be effective 9 out of 10 times

Language of persuasion and influence �Grammar allows us to phrase things actively or passively. �Language can be used to reveal or conceal �Political correctness tries to iron out some of the thornier aspects of language, but at times can go too far

Knowing what you know now… �“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me. ” �Agree or disagree? Provide examples