Transcript Chapter 6
Chapter 6, Language Chapter Outline The Nature of Language Language Acquisition Among Children The Structure of Language Language and Culture U.S. Example of Cultural Emphasis Linguistic Style Sociolinguistics Nonverbal Communication The Nature of Language Language is found in all cultures of the world. A symbolic system of sounds that, when put together according to a set of rules, conveys meaning. The meanings attached to any given word in all languages are totally arbitrary. Diversity of Language Linguists estimate that there are as many as 6,000 discrete languages. 95% of the world’s people speak fewer than 100 of the approximately 6,000 different languages. Mandarin accounts for about 1 in every 5 people on earth. English, Hindi, Spanish, and Russian, accounts for about 45%. Major Languages of the World Language Primary Country Number of Speakers Mandarin China 874,000,000 Hindi India 366,000,000 English UK/USA 341,000,000 Spanish Spain/South America 322,000,000 Bengali Bangladesh 207,000,000 Portuguese Portugal/Brazil 176,000,000 Major Languages of the World Language Primary Country Number of Speakers Russian Russia 167,000,000 Japanese Japan 125,000,000 German Germany 100,000,000 Korean Korea 78,000,000 French France 77,000,000 Wu China 77,000,000 Characteristics of Human Communication Systems Capable of sending an infinite number of messages. The only animals that can speak of events from the past or that might happen in the future. Language is transmitted largely through tradition rather than experience alone. Structure of Human Languages Phonological structure comprises rules of how sounds are combined to convey meanings. Each language has its own grammatical structure with principles governing: – – How morphemes are formed into words (morphology). How words are arranged into phrases and sentences (syntax). Sapir–Whorf Hypothesis Language influences perception. Language, establishes mental categories that affect the ways people conceptualize the real world. Colloquialisms From Baseball She threw me a curve. You’re way off base. You’re batting 1,000 (500, zero) so far. I want to touch all the bases. He went to bat for me. He has two strikes against him. That’s way out in left field. He drives me up the wall. Examples of Diglossia High Form Low Form Religious service Marketplace Political speeches Instructions to subordinates Legislative proceedings Friendly conversations University lectures Folk literature News broadcasts Radio/TV programs Newspapers Cartoons Poetry Graffiti Nonverbal Communication Most messages are sent and received without words: – – – – – Facial expressions Gestures Eye contact Touching Posture