Ch.3: Language and comm Flashcards
Language
- A system of communication that involves a set of spoken, written, and nonverbal symbols.
- primary means of transmitting cultural concepts and traditions.
Syntax
-universal gramatical rules
Functions of language (4 functions)
#1) informative #2) expressive #3) directive #4) ceremonial
Directive language
- Used to direct or influence action
- Example: “close the window”
Expressive language
- Used to bring about an emotional impact on the listener.
- Using emotive words to communicate feelings and attitudes.
- Example: “You have the sweetest smile in the world.”
Emotive words
-words used to elicit certain emotions
Nonverbal language
- Helps to avoid things being misenterpreted
- use to reinforce verbal communication
- includes images and artwork to convey feeliings and ideas
Denotative meanings
- expresses the properties of an object that the word is refering to
- same as the lexical, or dictionary meaning
Connotative meanings
-includes the feelings and personal thoughts that are elicited on the basis of past experiences and associations
Denotative and conotative language
- language = not nuetral; includes feelings, cultural values, influences how we see the world
- language reinforces culturelal concepts
Stipulative definitions
- given to new words or terms.
- New meanings to old words
- New words for new things
- ONLY more or less useful
Precising definitions
- used to reduce vagueness
- two kinds:
1) theoretical definitions
2) operational definitions, used to provide standards in data collection.
Theoretical definitions
- used to provide theory
- mostly for special fields (lawyer)
- -EX: “Theoretically, being an adult means to take responsibility for your actions.”
operational definitions
- used to provide standards in data collection.
- not used as fact
- Ex: “Operationally, you must be 18 years or older to be considered a legal adult.”
Five criteria for evaluating definitions
#1) A good definition should state the essential attributes of the term being defined #2) A good definition is not circular #3) avoid using the term itself #4) A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language #5) A good definition avoids emotive language
Communication Styles
- Assertive
- ->confident, knows limits
- Aggressive
- ->manipulative & controlling
- Passive
- ->agree to avoid confrontation
- Passive-Aggressive
- ->manipulative while avoiding confront.
Rhetorical Devices
use psychological persuasion, rather than reason, to persuade others to accept a particular position.
euphemism
- Rhetoric
- Using a neutral/positive term to cover up a negative; sugarcoating.
- “Pass away” instead of “die”.
Dysphemism
- Rhetorical Devices
- A word or phrase to purposely create a negative impact.
- Ex: “Dropped out” instead of “took leave”
Hyperbole
Rhetorical Devices:
-Exaggeration and overstatement (Drama queen/king)
Informative
-Used to state what are true or false
Lexical definitions
- denotative meanings of the word
- dictionary definitions
Persuasive definitions
- use emotive language to influence or persuade others.
- Ex: “Abortion is murder.”
Kinds of Rhetorical Devices
- Euphemism
- Dysphemism
- Sarcasm
- Hyperbole
