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Language (Terms (Language: A collection of symbols, governed by rules and…
Language
Terms
Language: A collection of symbols, governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals.
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Denotative Meanings: Formally recognized definitions for words, as in those found in a dictionary.
Connotative Meanings: Informal, implied interpretations for words and phrases that reflect the people, culture, emotions, and situations involved.
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Syntactic Rules: Rules that govern the ways in which symbols can be arranged as opposed to the meanings of those symbols.
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Reappropriation: The process by which members of a marginalized group reframe the meaning of a term that has been historically been used in a derogatory way.
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Convergence: Accommodating one's speaking style to another person, usually a person who is desirable or has higher status.
Divergence: A linguistic strategy in which speakers emphasize differences between their communicative style and that of others to create distance.
Linguistic Intergroup Bias: The tendency to label people and behaviors in terms that reflect their in-group or out-group status.
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Slang: Language used by a group of people whose members belong to a similar coculture or other group.
Jargon: Specialized vocabulary used as a kind of shorthand by people with common backgrounds and experience.
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Abstract Language: Language that lacks specificity or does not refer to observable behavior or other sensory data.
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Emotive Language: Language that conveys an attitude rather than simply offering an objective description.
Euphemism: A mild or indirect term or expression used in place of a more direct but less pleasant one.
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Language Is Symbolic
Words, from all languages, are symbols—arbitrary constructions that represent a communicator’s thoughts. Symbols created and widely accepted to create shared meaning.
This is pretty important because I feel like people often forget that words only get their meaning and strength based on what we give them. Much like the famous Romeo and Juliet quote "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
I'm also reminded how symbols can mean different things to different people. For example politically left leaning people sees the Confederate flag as a symbol of hate and racism while right leaning people from maybe the South may see it was an important historic symbol.
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Meanings Are in People, Not Words
Language becomes a a large factor when it comes to how people may interact if they come from different cultures that speak different languages.
The book uses the example that some people may find being called "dog" can be an insult and demeaning. But perhaps in western culture where dogs are considered mans' best friend, people will call their friend "dawg" (hip hop culture) which can be endearing.
This can be seen with the use of the N-Word. Depending on who it comes from and their background, it can be either very insulting, endearing, or just casual.
Language Shape Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs
Names: When no other information is presented, some research shows that the way a person's name sounds phonetically has an affect on how people regard them.
Credibility: Having to do with their style of speech, people who are perceived to be well spoken may seem to be more credible.
Status: Several factors combine to create positive or negative impressions: accent, choice of words, speech rate, and even the apparent age of a speaker. In most cases, speakers of standard dialect are rated higher than nonstandard speakers
Sexism and Racism: Kids growing up who were taught to use gender neutral labels (firefighter as opposed to firemen) are less likely to restrict those roles to either sex.
Language Reflects Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs
When two or more people feel equally positive about one another, their linguistic convergence is likely to be mutual. But when communicators want or need the approval of others, they often adapt their speech to suit the others’ style, trying to say the “right thing” or speak in a way that will help them fit in.
I can definitely relate to this, especially when it comes to creating or starting new relationships. At first I can be very cautious about what I say around or to people depending on how well I know them. Eventually I'll start being more comfortable and our convergence is more mutual.
Conversely with divergence; this is very apparent today with our current political climate as there are many strategies used from both sides to separate and disassociate from the other.
Even when people are reluctant to speak candidly, the language they use can suggest their degree of interest and attraction toward a person, object, or idea.
Demonstrative pronoun choice (these vs those), negation (it's good vs it's not bad), and sequential placement (Dick and Jane vs Jane and Dick)
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