Verbal Messages Verbal Message Fundamentals Utterance a complete
Verbal Messages
Verbal Message Fundamentals Utterance – a complete unit of talk that is bounded by the speakers silence. The speakers “turn” when talking What is language? Language is a symbolic system used by people to communicate verbal or written messages. What does language include? Lexicon – the collection of words and expressions in a language Phonology – the sounds used to pronounce words Syntax and grammar – the rules for combining words to form sentences and into larger units of expression Language community – all people can speak or understand a particular language
Verbal Message Fundamentals Language are really connections of dialects Dialect – a form of a more general language spoken by a specific culture or coculture that, while differing from the general language, shares enough commonality that most people who belong to a particular language community can understand it. According to pbs. org, within the United States there at least 24 different dialects Author: Wolfram of American English: Dialects & Variation (1998) Mapping How Americans Talk – Soda vs. Pop vs. Coke http: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=4 HLYe 31 MBrg Fun Tour of American Accents | Amy Walker http: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=4 Nri. DTxseog
Verbal Message Fundamentals Language community – the English language community includes Australians, Scots, Irish, Canadians, Indians, and Americans Characteristics of Language 1. Language is arbitrary: Words are used to represent other things. You put the meaning to a words. (ex: cuss words) 2. Language is ambiguous: There can always be multiple interpretations no matter how clear you explain something. 3. Language is abstract: there are no concrete words 4. Language is reflexive 5. Language changes 6. Language reveals 7. Language is hierarchical The 5 largest language communities, in order, are Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindu. (Verderber & Verderber)
Meaning in the Language Itself Semantic meaning Words Denotation Connotation Specific language Concrete language Precise words Dating information Indexing generalizations Jargon (Merriam Webster’s) Slang Linguistic sensitivity 1. Use Specific language to improve message clarity 2. Date info to specify a true statement 3. Index to qualify generalizations 4. Adapt your language to your listeners 5. Demonstrate linguistic sensitivity
Meaning in the Language Itself Meaning : A Slim Guide to Semantics by Paul D Elbourne Publisher: Boston, MA ; New York, NY : Oxford UNIVERSITY Press, © 2011. Examples of different slang explained in this You. Tube video titled 107 Regional Slang Words https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=1 w 6 u. QIXC 1 a. I
Verbal Meaning Within the Conversational Context The Pragmatic Meaning of the language in a verbal message is the meaning that arises from understanding the practical consequences of an utterance. At the semantic level, we are interested in what the words mean, but at a pragmatic level we are interested in what people mean. There are many different ways to improve pragmatic understanding and the way people will take in and understand what you are trying to say. 1. Tell the truth, the whole truth, and only the truth. The “quality maxim”. Make sure that you have evidence to back up what you're 2. Provide the “right” amount of information. Don't provide too little or give too much information and details. 3. Relate what you say to the topic being discussed. Make sure that what you are saying is relevant and relates to the conversation saying and make sure not to stretch the truth.
Verbal Meaning Within the Conversational Context 4. Be orderly in what you say. Make sure to organize your words and sentences to make it easy for the person you are talking to to understand you. 5. Acknowledge when you are violating a maxim. Know when you are not providing enough information, know when you are possibly lying, and know what relates to the conversation. 6. Rely on the cooperative principle when interpreting violations of the maxims. Make sure that the person you are talking to knows if you are being sarcastic or just joking around. Pragmatic: dealing with the problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on ideas and theories. (Webster's Dictionary) https: //www. youtube. com/wat ch? v=q 4 rvrpmzfj. A You. Tube video titled What Is Pragmatic Language? explaining what pragmatic language is.
Meaning Within the Social and Cultural Context Sociolinguistic meaning – the meaning of a verbal message that varies according to the language norms and expectations of a particular culture or co-culture group. Idioms – expressions used by members of a language or speech community whose meaning differs from the usual meanings associated with that combination of words. Direct verbal style – message language that openly states the speakers intention and message content that is straightforward and unambiguous. Indirect verbal style – message language that masks the speaker’s true intentions and roundabout, vague message content whose real meaning is embedded in the social or cultural context. Mindfulness – the process of drawing novel distinctions.
Meaning Within the Social and Cultural Context You. Tube video “How to Greet People All Over the World” https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=R 32 m 0 l. Xq. Crc Online book by Sage Productions
- Slides: 10