Chapter 4: How We Use Language Flashcards
1
Q
language is symbolic
A
- Bulgarian учебник
- Swahili kitabu
- English textbook
- Swedish läromedel
2
Q
language is usually arbitrary
A
- most words have only an arbitrary connection to their meanings
- words literally mean whatever we- as users of a language- choose for them to mean
- we make up names and assign meaning
3
Q
language is governed by rules
A
- phonological rules- sound related
- syntactic rules- the order of words, ex. starting with the noun then verb
- semantic rules- meaning of word ex. sauce vs. gravy
- pragmatic rules- interpretation of statements ex. can someone crack the door (not literally)
4
Q
language has layers of meaning
A
- denotative meanings- dictionary definition
- connotative meanings- idea that the word represents, concepts, layers of understanding
5
Q
semantic triangle
A
- referent- definition ex. a place you reside -> denotive
- symbol- is the actual word ex. home
- reference- idea or concept of the word ex. positive -> connotative
6
Q
language has layers of meaning
A
- words with strong positive or negative connotative meanings make up loaded language
- cancer
- family
- bailout
- freedom
- the denotative meanings of loaded language may be emotionally neutral
7
Q
language varies in clarity
A
- some language is ambiguous
- some language can be more abstract than concrete
8
Q
hayawaka’s ladder of abstraction
A
- top- more concrete
- bottom- more abstract
9
Q
language is bound by context and culture
A
- the sapir-whord hypothesis states that language shapes a persons views of reality
- linguistic determinism- structure of language determines how we think -> if there was no word for envy we wouldnt feel it
- linguistic relativity- language determines our perception of reality -> we see the world different based on our language we speak
- the merit of the sapir-whorf hypothesis has been widely questioned by researchers
10
Q
language expresses who we are
A
- our names define and differentiate us
- naming norms vary by sex and age
- we make assumptions about people on the basis of their names
- richard
- ricky
11
Q
language expresses who we are
A
- credibility is the extent to which others perceive us to be competent and trustworthy
- several forms of language can enhance or diminish credibility:
- ciliches
- dialects
- equivocation- disguise a true intention by being ambiguous
- weasel words- research shows, its widely known, trying to mislead someone by not giving all the facts
- allness statements- statements implying the statement is true without exception -> experts say
12
Q
language connects us to others
A
- affectionate language can establish and maintain our close relationships
- giving and receiving affection are good for our health
13
Q
language connects us to others
A
- we use language to provide comfort to others
- language conveys social information through the exchange of gossip
14
Q
language separates us from others
A
- criticism is the act of passing judgement on someone or something
- threats are declarations of the intent to harm someone
- criticisms and threats separate us from others by causing emotional pain and fear
15
Q
language motivates action
A
- persuasion is the process of convincing people to think or act in a certain way
- many communicative strategies are persuasive
- anchor-and-contrast approach- ask for something big before you ask for what youre intending
- norm of reciprocity
- social validation principle- persuaded if they think other people are doing it too
