Chapter 4: How We Use Language Flashcards
What is language?
structured system of symbols used to communicate meaning
Arbitrary meaning
words mean whatever users of language choose for them to mean
- Meaning of words can change over time
Sapir-Wharf Hypothesis
Theory that the language we choose to speak shapes our views of reality
- shapes how members of a culture see the world
- if the word doesn’t exist in the language, it can’t exist in our reality
Linguistic determination
The structure of language determines how we think
Linguistic relativity
Suggest that because language determines our perceptions of reality, people see the world differently depending on which language they speak
Semantic triangle
Portrays three necessary elements for identifying the meaning in language:
Symbol = word
Reference (dennotative meaning) = literal (Dictionary) meaning
Referent (connotative meaning) = emotions associated with words (How it makes us FEEL)
Concrete words
Refers to a specific object in the physical world
Abstract words
Refers to a broader category of organizing concepts of objects
Samuel Hayakawa’s latter of abstraction
Bottom of the latter = more abstract
- words become more concrete as you move up the latter
Top of the latter = more concrete
Loaded language
Words that have a strong positive or negative connotation
Ambiguous language
Words that can have more than one meaning
Credibility
The extent to which others receive us to be competent and trustworthy
Clichés
Words or phrases that were novel at one time but have lost their effect owing to overuse
Dialects
Language variation shared by people of a certain region or social class
What does the Communication accommodation theory state?
Enhance credibility by speaking in a dialect that is familiar to audience
Gossip
informal, and frequently judgmental, talk about people who are not present
Criticism
words that pass judgement on someone or something
Destructive criticism
occurs when we feel that someone is criticizing us to put us down or destroy our self confidence
Constructive criticism
occurs when we feel someone is criticizing us to help us improve
Threat
a declaration of the intention to harm someone
Euphemism
words with another connotation to them that makes them less harsh
- Sugarcoating
-EX: instead of saying someone died, you say they passed away
- EX: Restroom instead of toilet
Slang
language of “co-cultures”
Jargon
technical vocabulary of a certain occupation or profession
Defamation
language that is untrue and negative to reputation
- Has to be published; either say it or write it
- Written = libel
- Spoken = slander
