Language Diversity - Occupation Flashcards
What did John Swales propose about Occupational language?
John Swales proposed the term ‘the web of discourse’, which is sometimes referred to as being part of a ‘discourse community’.
What is a discourse community?
Members of a discourse community possess required knowledge and skills needed for the specific profession and they also uses specialist lexis or discourse (spoken/written communication).
Give an example of subject specific lexis in a workplace
in Superdrug the concrete noun ‘gun’ is used, semantically broadened from an actual gun due to appearance, but is actually more akin to a handheld computer.
How does subject specific lexis in a workplace help?
The use of the subject specific lexis creates a more efficient way of explaining something, supporting the job and aiding communication between coworkers.
What have Drew and Herritage said about occupational language?
the power of hierarchies affect the type of language used in different occupational settings, meaning that specific language can be used to enforce power structures
What is Drew and Herritage’s proposal similar to?
This idea is similar to Swales as Drew and Herritage suggest that we use ‘institutional talk’. This idea is like Swales discourse communities but the concept of power hierarchies is added.
According to Drew and Herritage, what factor creates a change in the use of occupational language?
They considered the idea that language is used differently depending on the status of someone in an occupational setting.
Give an example of status impacting occupational language
A manager has more authority in a work setting so it is appropriate for them to use imperatives.
In Superdrug, the manager often uses imperatives like ‘serve, go, come, etc.’
What does Almut Koester say?
the importance of phatic talk , in getting jobs done. Workers need to establish interpersonal relationships and have interactions that are not just about work related procedures.
What actually is phatic talk?
Phatic talk is communication used purely for social interaction, like small talk. Koester found that phatic talk is key for maintaining social relationships at work and for getting jobs done.
What does phatic talk achieve in a workplace?
it creates solidarity between workmates which is an important dimension in workplace communication
Give an example of phatic talk being used in a work environment
Asking how someones weekend was, or asking if they are feeling better (if they were unwell)
What did Holmes say about small talk in a workplace?
Based on her findings in her New Zealand study, Holmes also looks at the idea that small talk enables workmates to ‘do collegiality’. By using small talk, the colleagues are indicating that they feel positively towards the other.
What are the effects of small talk in a workplace?
Small talk can also serve a valuable bridging function and warms people up socially.
What did Holmes also notice about the use of small talk by those of a higher status in the workplace?
it is generally the boss who either allows small talk or cuts it short. Those in positions of power may use small talk to ease the transition to work related topics. Small talk is also used to reduce the social distance between superiors and their subordinates.