LC - Language Flashcards
Define Language
Language can be defined as the expression of thought by means of speech sounds (Henry Sweet)
Language is primarily human and non instinctive method of communicating ideas, thoughts and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols. (Spair)
Meaning of Language
Language is a form of words, symbols and patterns used to communicate the thoughts and ideas of humans. It is an expression of thought communicated by the means of speech sounds.
Types of Language
There are 3 types of language:
1. Sign language (picture) - This type of languages uses pictures and gestures to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas or emotions. The deaf community uses this language the most.
- Vocal language (spoken) - This type of language is verbal and uses spoken words to communicate thoughts, ideas and feelings. It uses speech sounds.
- Symbolic language (written) - This type of language is written and uses words, symbols and patterns to communicate with society.
Language as Power
There are 3 types of power according to Wareing (1999) which can be integrated with language. They are:
1) Political Power - This includes the power of politicians and the police who have high authority in society.
2) Personal Power - This includes the power of people who have an important higher authoritative role to play in society. For e.g the head teacher has more personal power than a teaching assistant.
3) Social group power- This includes the power of a social group which is based on certain characteristics of the group like ethnicity, religion, gender or age.
These powers can be categorised as:
- Instrumental: This power is exercised by authorities who hold a high position in society. It resonates with who they are. For eg. Queen Elizabeth
- Influential: This power is exercised by people who don’t have a high position in society yet however they try to use persuasive language and gain influence over others by using different techniques.
