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Language (The Nature of Language (Language Is Symbolic: Words, like…
Language
The Nature of Language
Language Is Symbolic: Words, like virtually all language are symbols-arbitrary constructions that represent a communicator's thoughts.
Meanings Are in People, Not Words: Ask a dozen people what the same symbol means, and you are likely to get 12 different answers.
Language Is Rule Governed: Language rules change words meanings, the orders of words, the way words and letters and pronounced, and much more.
Example from Text: A language is a collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals.
Example from Real Life: In my life I have to communicate with people who don't speak English sometimes and knowing basic words in other languages can still get a point across.
Troublesome Language
The Language of Misunderstandings: The most obvious kinds of language problems are semantic.
Disruptive Language: By not confusing facts and opinions, not confusing facts and inferences, and using the correct emotive language you can limit conflicts due to disagreements.
Evasive Language: Euphemisms and equivocations are more polite ways to avoid being evasive.
Example from Real Life: In my real life people are always disruptive and I feel like I always have to keep neutral in the conversation.
Example from Text: Besides being a blessing that enables us to live together, language can be something of a curse.
The Power of Language
Language Shapes Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs: Language shapes values, attitudes, and beliefs through naming, credibility, status, worldview, and sexism and racism.
Language Reflects Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs: Language reflects values, attitudes, and beliefs through power, affiliation, divergence, linguistic intergroup bias, attraction and interest, and responsibility.
Example from Text: Language allows us to satisfy basic functions such as describing ideas, making requests, and solving problems
Example from Real Life: In my real life I use the power of language every day for every function.
Gender and Language
Example from Text: The tricky part can be differentiating between stereotypes and current realities.
Example from Real Life: In my life I have to treat women and men with the respect that is unspoken, but required by society.