Transcript PPT Verbal Comm

Chapter 3
Verbal Communication
Definition of Language

“Language is a collection of symbols,
letters, or words with arbitrary meanings
that are governed by rules and used to
communicate” (p. 60).
English/Japanese
=
Tree
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Language & Ambiguity
James is independently wealthy. How much money does he have?
Mary is quite old. How old is she?
Carol watches a lot of TV. How many hours a day does she watch?
The XJI-57 is an expensive car. How much does it cost?
Today is a very warm day. What is the temperature?
That sure is a tall building. How many stories does it have?
Rules of Language

Semantics – the study of the way humans
use language to evoke meaning.

Changes/Development over time
 “Gay”

(1920s) vs “Gay” (today)
Pragmatics – the use of language in
social settings. (ex. scripts)

Phatic communication – Communication
used to establish pleasant moods.
Meanings of Language

Denotative – Dictionary meaning(s).


Something agreed upon.
Connotative – Personal meaning(s) of
words.

Emotional connections, memories, etc.
Meanings of Language

Concrete – Words that refer to definite
persons, places, objects, and acts.
Tiger Woods
Recent professional male golfer
Professional Male golfer
Professional Golfer
Professional Athlete

Abstract – Words or phrases that refer
generally to ideas, qualities, acts, or
relationships.
Semantic Triangle
My thought
DOG
?????
“idea of dog”
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

“Our perception of reality is determined by our
thought processes, AND our thought processes
are limited by our language and, THEREFORE,
language shapes reality” (p. 66).
MY THOUGHTS
1)
2)
3)
4)
Language and thought are one.
Our perception of the world is shaped by the way in which we use language.
We can not describe anything outside of the words we have.
We can feel, but how we communicate those feelings are limited by language.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
Inuit
 Friend from India

The Matrix
Language’s Impact

Sexist – language that excludes
individuals on the basis of sex or gender.

Racist – language that insults a group
because of ethnicity.
Questions
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