Functions of Words Flashcards
- references
the word/ thing relationship is usually arbitrary; not necessarily connection
- sometimes is - onomatopoeia
- problems: bypassings, abstraction, euphemism, relative language, static evaluation, langauge limited but reality is virtually unlimited, subcultural differences
bypassing
aka. equivocation
- using different words with the same meaning, or the same word with different meanings; meaning doesn’t connect; many words have more than one commonly accepted definition
- can be cleared up by clarification, paraphrasing, feedback
- can be a good thing, help you avoid embarrassing honesty
abstraction
generalizing about similiarities
- we speak at different levels (where study? –> place, room, UCLA lecture hall, Fowler room)
- use for different pruposes, posses problems of clarity; can lead to stereotyping, self-fulfilling prophecy
- over-abstraction explnations
- can confuse speaker
euphemism
a pleasant term substituted from a blunt one; can soft impact of messages; pulling of linguistic punches, posses a problem of clarity
-kindness vs. integrity, clarity of message
relative language
some words only gain meaning through comparison
static evaluation
using words to make reality seem more concrete than it really is
-ex/ describing someone with word “is”
language is limited but reality is virtually unlimited
vocabulary is limited; typically need to show
- performing actions
“I do” at marriage ceremony; “I bet you”, singing, cursing
- evoking emotions
patriotic speech moves citizens; “I love you”; profanity shows and can provoke emotions
- reduce uncertainity
answer questions, categorize, distinguish, clarify
- express complex ideas
words are key to solving problems, exploring relationships, explaining logic; clarify feeling, lay out positions, make arguments
- promote human contact
human communication, talking to each other
