Transcript Language and Meaning

Fundamentals of
Communication
Chapter 3- Language and
Meaning
Language
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What is it?
Language
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What is it?
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A collection of symbols, letters or words
with arbitrary meanings that are
governed by rules and used to
communicate.
Language
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What is it?
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A collection of symbols, letters or words
with arbitrary meanings that are
governed by rules and used to
communicate.
Symbols
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Arbitrary—they are not intrinsically connected to what they
represent
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Ambiguous—their meanings are not clear cut or fixed
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Abstract—they are not concrete or tangible
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Because symbols require interpretation, communication is an
ongoing process of creating meanings.
Language Use is Rule-Guided
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Semantics
Syntax
Pragmatics
Phatic Communication
Culturally Bound
Organizes and Clarifies Reality
Language is Arbitrary & Abstract
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Denotative Meaning
Connotative Meaning
Abstract to Concrete
Animal
abstract
Cat
Scrabbles
concrete
Rephrase each statement so that it is less
abstract and more concrete.
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Edward always finds something critical to
say.
Most people have lost any sense of
personal responsibility.
Let’s keep our trip from getting too
expensive.
Inventing symbols
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Divide into groups of 5
Each group will be assigned to invent a
new symbol for one of the following:
• Handicapped access
• Icy bridge
• Lethal chemicals
• Unsafe area for walking
• Flood zone
Inventing symbols cont.
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Each group will present their symbol to
the class
Discuss the utility and clarity of the
proposed symbols
Language Use (Obstacle or Enhancement)
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Grammatical Errors
Colloquialisms
Cliches
Euphemisms & Doublespeak
Slang
Profanity
Jargon
Regionalism
Sexist, Racist, and Heterosexist Language
Improving Language Skills
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Avoid Intentional Confusion (empty
language)
Use Descriptiveness
Be Concrete
Differentiate Observations/Inferences
Cultural Competence
• Each of us has an ethical responsibility to guard against
engaging in uncivil speech as well as not tolerating it from
others.