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chapter 4 (The Nature of Language (Language is Symbolic: We use symbols to…
chapter 4
The Nature of Language
Language is Symbolic: We use symbols to represent something, and we use those symbols to communicate.
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Language is Rule Governed: Phonological rules govern how we say the word. Syntactic rules govern the way symbols can be arranged. Semantic rules deal with the meanings of words. Pragmatic rules govern how we use language in interactions with other people.
Troublesome Language
The Language of Misunderstandings: Sometimes we don't understand what someone means. Equivocal language - words have more than one meaning. Relative Words - These types of words are often compared to another to get a different meaning.
Disruptive language: People understand themselves but might still have conflict. the book gives three bad linguistic habits to avoid. Confusing facts and opinions, confusing facts and inferences, and emotive language.
Evasive Language: Euphemisms - "a pleasant term substituted for a more direct but potentially less pleasant one" (121).
Gender and Language
Language Similarities and Differences by Gender: Men and Women talk about different things to each other but also have some things in common. Other similarities and differences include reasons for communicating, conversation style, and non gender variables.
Understanding Gender Differences in Language Use: Some gender differences in communication can be cause by biological factors and social factors like hormones and social norms.
Transcending Gender Boundaries: Switching and combining styles can minimize or eliminate the gender boundaries.
The Power of Language
Language Reflects Attitude: Power gives an impression of our attitude. Affiliation: adapting our vocabulary and speech to fit appropriately with the context. Attraction and Interest: Ex, It's good (positive), it's not bad (less positive)
Ex: Polite Forms, "Excuse me sir..."
Language Shapes Attitudes: "... our speech - sometimes consciously an sometimes not - shapes others' values, attitudes, and beliefs in a variety of ways" (106).
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- The part of language is rule governed kind of surprised me. I didn't really thing about these rules but in a way I knew about them because I use them when I speak, like everyone else.
- Something that confused me was how language shapes attitude. I didn't really understand that topic which is why I used a quote in that section.