Language Flashcards
Language
a collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals
Symbols
a character or sign used as a conventional representation of an object or thing
Syntax
rules that govern how a sentence is structured the prefix “syn” means together, the suffix “tax” the order or classification of something
Syntax
the way a sentence is put together
Semantics
the meaning of the sentence
Symbolism
is agreed upon by large numbers of people but it is not universal
Equivocal language
when a statement has 2 or more equally plausible meanings
Figurative language
a way of expressing ideas through language that does not use the word or sentences literal meaning
Literal language
– language that is used exactly as written
Idioms
phrases that are only understood to mean something other than what they technically mean
Euphemism
pleasant terms used in place of less pleasant terms
Jargon
language and vocabulary that is job specific
Slang
language used by a group of people who belong to a similar culture or subset of culture
Relative terms
– are words that gain their meaning by comparison
Denotation
the actual meaning of a word as you would find in the dictionary
