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CMN 105 > MTI > Flashcards

MTI Flashcards

0
Q

What other disciplines influence semantics and pragmatics

A

Semantics is inflected by linguistics

Pragmatics by philosophy

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1
Q

What’s the difference between the fields of semantics and pragmatics

A
  • semantics studies language meaning through LINGUISTIC KNOWLEDGE (knowing how to use language to communicate… Interpreting language)
  • pragmatics studies language through CONTEXT
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2
Q

What are the two broad types of human experience

A
  1. Direct/sensory experience
    - everything that we perceive first hand through the senses
  2. Symbolic experience
    - everything we perceive through the use of symbols
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3
Q

Why is it important to understand the two broad types of human experience

A

We sometimes confuse the symbolic from the non symbolic

We live in such an abstract world that we sometimes become disconnected from what’s real

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4
Q

Why are signs and symbols considered to be “meaning vehicles”

A

Because they are ways in which we perceive the world. Signs and symbols also convey meaning by serving as representations of a larger concept/thing

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5
Q

What’s the difference between a sign and symbol

A

Symbols are intentional
- ex) alphabet
Signs are unintentional
- ex) smoke

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6
Q

What is the goal of communication

A

Shared meaning

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7
Q

Along with the goal of communication, what else was said about “language and communication”?

A

It’s evolutionary, social, especially because we are meaning seeking creatures

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8
Q

What are the various types of meaning in the transmission of a message

A
  1. Intended = comes from the sender, intended to convey something specific
  2. Significative meaning = symbol used (dictionary definitions)(denotations)
  3. Content = “what is the message?” Meaning
  4. Interpreted meaning = comes from the receiver (denotations and connotations)
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9
Q

What are the three facets that make up content meaning?

A
  1. Conceptual= do we learn something
  2. Emotive = feel emotional
  3. Active = do something physical

It is some combination of conceptual, emotive (sparks emotions) and active (cause for action) earnings to form the content of what is said

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10
Q

What is denotative and connotative meaning?

A 
Denotative = the logical, AGREED UPON and objective meaning. The dictionary definition
Connotative = the PSYCHOLOGICAL, idiosyncratic (unique to the individual) meaning. Much more complicated - inside of us - individual. Associations. Often emotionally charged and/or dependent on life experiences
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11
Q

How are denotative and connotative meaning different

A

Denotative is the dictionary definition, while connotative is unique to the individual. It adds complexity, and has rhetorical sensitivity

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12
Q

What is the communicative implication of connotative meaning

A

Because it is subjective, it’s the pitfall of language, it’s a problem area
It is manipulative
- it is often use by advertising
- it can breed anger
- Vietnam war example: US military used empty-slate words… Like gooks and Charlies to dehumanize Vietnamese
The word “cat” has connotative meaning for those who know that other people eat cats. Asian people comment…

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13
Q

What do the terms referent, co-referent, and extension mean?

A

Referent = the object, entity, idea, thought, feeling to which the word “points”
Co-referent= when multiple references “point to” a single entity, multiple references for a single person
Extension= the number of things a world can refer to
- ex) Lola= one parakeet bird, parakeets= specific type of bird, bird= a creature
… Bird has more extension than parakeet and that has more than Lola

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14
Q

what is abstraction in language

A

All language is abstract and words can vary in their degree of abstract ness. Is very convenient. When details matter we want to be more concrete more specific

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15
Q

*what makes one word more or less abstract than another word *

A

Less detail

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16
Q

whats useful about abstract language and what’s potentially problematic about abstract language

A

Useful: it’s convenient
Problematic: unsure of what word/language is trying to represent

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17
Q

What does it mean that language is arbitrary

A

There is no inherent connection between the word and the thing or concept it is supposed to represent

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18
Q

Why are onomatopoeias considered arbitrary

A

Because different language speakers use onomatopoeias for the same thing
- ex) buzz, ring ring, swish, swoosh

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19
Q

What is lexical and syntactical ambiguity

A 
Lexical= when a word is ambiguous 
-3 types
   1. Polysemy
   2. Homophones
   3. Heteronyms 
Syntactical ambiguity= when phrases/sentences can have multiple meanings
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20
Q

What is polysemy

A

(Lexical ambiguity)
When one word has multiple dictionary definitions
-ex) book = noun. Handwritten work verb. To reserve/make reservation

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21
Q

What are homophones and heteronyms

A

(Lexical ambiguity)
Homophones= words that sound identical but have different referents and different meaning
(E.g. Red, read)
Heteronyms= words that are spelled exactly the same but are pronounced differently and have different referents and different meanings
(E.g. Tear= to rip and tear= like cry)

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22
Q

How does language encourage polarized thinking

A

We live in a gradable world and our concept are anchored in an antonym(opposite) kind of way so tend to think in binary terms (yes/no). Language encourages us to cognitively “lock on” to certain concepts

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23
Q

How do humans acquire language

A

Human language acquisition is natural, innate, and hard wired. Acquiring language begins in the womb. It happens naturally, theory foes it on its own like metabolizing sugar. Overt teaching is not required. Mimicry is not enough

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24
Q

What are some specific findings that serve as evidence to how humans acquire language

A

Children of Samoa are not talked to by adults, but still acquire language of the larger community at the same rate as other cultures.

Mimicry is not enough. Genie, a child isolated in captivity was taught language for years and years but still never learned. It shows that the language mechanism somehow changes at an early age and nice it’s past, they lose the ability to acquire language. First language acquisition takes place in early childhood (usually by the age of 5) and cannot take place after that critical period

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25
Q

What are the differences between acquiring a first language and learning a second language

A

We acquire a first language, we learn a second one

  • anyone who is learning a second language has already acquired a first language so the language mechanism in the brain has certain linguistic parameters set, making this task different
  • the first language typically serves as the model, and errors often result from taking words from the target language and stringing them together by applying the rules from the first language
  • first language learning happens without conscious teaching, second language generally does not
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26
Q

what are the specific qualities that characterize human language

A

A. Rules that constitute a grammar
- you can do it wrong
B. Innateness
- no one had to teach it to us, it is hard wired
C. Displacement
- the ability to refer to things that are not present in space or time
D. Ability to refer to abstractions
E. Cognitive processing
- show this by acting in neither random nor simple reflex ways
F. Novelty
- human language is creative, it allows us to express novel ideas rather than simply to repeat a closed set of utterances. No other creature has this!

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27
Q

What are the various creatures that have shown some sophistication in their abilities to communicate

A

Bees, whales, birds, dolphins, primates

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28
Q

Which creature exhibits most of the qualities of the human communication

A

Primates (e.g Jane Goodall research on their intelligence, and Lucy’s ability to recognize more words/colors than any other animal)

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29
Q

What is the one characteristic of language that no creatures other than humans have exhibited

A

Novelty

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30
Q

What does Paul Brice’s “cooperation principle” assert

A

Both the speaker and the listener must work to find relevance in a message. Must cooperate to find a shared meaning

  • we assume relevance on the part of the speakers, speakers aim to be relevant to the listeners
  • it is the receivers/interpreters job to search for and find the relevance of the speakers message
  • to communicate requires mutual and determined cooperation
  • there may be many stages of interpretation before shared meaning is achieved. May understand right away or need more understanding
31
Q

What are the four conversational maxims and what does each of them refer to

A
  1. Quantity maxim: don’t talk too much, don’t talk too little
  2. Quality maxim: make sure to be accurate and truthful in your language
  3. Relevance maxim: contribution needs to be on topic/ask permission to Change topic
  4. Manner maxim: make sure you make sense when you talk
32
Q

What happens when speakers “flout” the maxims

A

We try to understand “the intention” behind the utterance. We try to understand “why” they did what they did

33
Q

What does Austin and searles speech act theory assert

A

That language is not nothing. It has a power, a force because of the intentions behind the utterance. We intend to make things happen

34
Q

What is the difference between a locutionary and illocutionary act

A

Locutionary: the act of saying something
Illocutionary: the act of intending to do something

35
Q

What is indirectness in language

A

When the syntactic form of the utterance does not match the illocutionary force of the utterance; saying things without actually saying it
- ex) man, the dishes sure are dirty!

36
Q

According to Tannen, Why are we indirect so often?

A

Indirectness is a way of communication. To save face, to soften communication

37
Q

What is the “double blind”

A

We have 2 deeply rooted core needs that are contradictory and competing. Need human connection/intimacy but also need space/autonomy

38
Q

What are the “payoffs” to Indirectness

A

Rapport(they understand me thus we must be close). Self and other protection (save face) and aesthetic beauty/pleasure (flirting)

39
Q

What’s the difference between positive and negative politeness

A

Positive: appeals to Our human need to connect with others. These messages are oriented to preserving the persons self image as an accepted, valued, and liked member of a social group

Negative: appeals to our human need for autonomy. These messages are oriented to a persons self image as a free individual who shouldn’t be imposed upon

40
Q

When should you use positive politeness versus negative

A

If a person is more standoffish/busy it would be best to use negative politeness
If a person is more amicable (liked to be liked), friendly, it is better to use positive

41
Q

Why do we revise dictionaries

A

Language changes as experience changes (since we use language to describe experiences) dictionaries reflect our current language patterns

42
Q

What does it mean that language allows for self reflection

A

We can think of our self as an object through language

43
Q

What does Burke say about relationship between language and “guilt”

A

Language creates guilt
Guilt influences our communication with others
All symbol using human beings experience “guilt” and gout influences our communication with others. Guilt is an all purpose word for any feeling of tension within a person. Anxiety, embarrassment, self-hatred, disgust, dissonance, shame, and so forth are all manifestations of burkes “guilt”. Language is responsible - enables you to think, reflect, talk, self-talk - other animals are just as they are - not so self reflective

44
Q

What are the three principles of guilt and what does each of them mean

A
  1. The negative = if you make a choice, you may regret not taking the other choice
    - through language people moralize and speak about options. To follow one choice is to reject another. To be aware of what was NOT chosen can result in guilt for not choosing – buyers remorse, regret
  2. Perfection: we imagine our self as something better than what we are. Makes us more aware of mistakes we make
    - humans are sensitive to their Failings. Humans can imagine, through language, a state of perfection. Guilt arises as a result of the cognitive awareness of the discrepancy between the real and ideal. Ex) model airbrushing, high standards
  3. Hierarchy: competitions among people create guilt, especially when we don’t measure up to someone else
    - in seeking order, pierce structure society into social pyramids (the smartest,richest, the best athletes…) competitions and divisions create guilt ex) bigger house, more sex etc
45
Q

What is the primary reason why computers will probably never be able to communicate as effectively as humans

A

Computers can’t understand context. Accurate interpretation of messages requires paying attention to context (verbal, physical, relational)

46
Q

What is general semantics most concerned with

A

Accuracy, adequacy, and trustworthiness in language use

47
Q

What is the key approach that general semantics suggests we all apply in our everyday lives and in our everyday conversations. Why?

A

To habitually apply a scientific attitude to the events in our lives
Goal: we need to align our symbolic world with our sensory world
Why?
Because misunderstandings and chaos can occur When words and things don’t correspond

48
Q

From a general semantics point of view, what is delusionality

A

What we are thing does not line up with what is real

49
Q

What makes one person more same than another

A

If that person thinks about reality as it is rather than what they think it is

50
Q

What is the key to understanding one another

A

Getting in common ground, bringing it into the experience that you he share. Get really clear in a way the both can see absolutely and getting away from value judgments

51
Q

What’s the definition and differences between analytic evidence/truth, contradictory evidence/truth, and synthetic evidence/truth

A

Analytic evidence/truth: true by definition, use language the way we agreed to it
Contradictory evidence/truth: false by definition
Synthetic evidence/truth: (the most reliable truth) empirically can be verified in the concrete world. May be true/false, depending on the context. May be analytically true (ex) my mom is short)

52
Q

What’s the difference between a signal and a symbol reaction

A

Signal reaction: an invariable, patterned response that occurs whether or not the conditions warrant
-ex) go on a green light even if it doesn’t make sense
Symbol reaction: a delayed, thoughtful response conditional upon the circumstances
-ex) delayed response to make sure it’s ok to go first; act after considering the conditions

53
Q

What are the definitions and differences between facts, inferences, and value judgment?

A

Facts: verifiable
Inferences: not a fact, but is based on prior facts
Value judgments: how we feel about something, not fact, just opinion

Facts are most reliable

54
Q

What is an operational definition? Why are they useful

A

= using tests as the definition
They’re useful because they help us determiner the existence, quantity, and/or duration of something. When you operationalize a definition, you bring a statement into an experience/fact. It enables you to upgrade a non-factual statement into a factual one.
Ex) operational definition of intelligence is IQ score

55
Q

What’s the difference between two valued and multi valued thinking

A

We don’t just think in binary, there is a middle ground a lot of the time
Two valued: thinking in binary terms, polarized thinking
Multi valued: considering many sides, not just two, thinking in terms of infinite gradations

56
Q

Why is multi valued thinking preferred

A

Because no one wants to think like a victim of hitler

Reality is made of infinite gradations

57
Q

Why are science and democracy considered to be multi valued approaches to life and understanding

A

They aren’t binary in structure. You can be a left thing republican or a right thinking democrat
Science and democracy are multi valued because science seeks proof in nonverbal world and democracy attempts to hear all sides of issues

58
Q

What did Hitler suggest regarding two valued and multi valued thinking

A

Don’t let the masses think there is a middle ground, there is only right and wrong. No in between

  • seek not the many sidedness of scientific teaching
  • never permit the slightest suggestion that there is “right on the other side”
  • no halfway urgings will do; things are either “positive or negative love or hate, right or wrong lie or truth”
59
Q

what are the four “roadblocks to understanding”? Why are they considered roadblocks?

A
  1. Confusing the symbol/word for the thing
  2. Confusing facts with inferences and value judgments
  3. Thinking in black/white, either/or (binary terms)
  4. Thinking in classifications

We need to avoid these in order to communicate effectively

60
Q

What does indexing mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

Indexing = don’t think in categories, remind us that every object, person, event is different

61
Q

What does chain indexing mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

People change under different circumstances

With chain indexing we can help ourselves and others to recognize th specific circumstance under which we are reacting; we avoid acting as if every situation is the same

62
Q

What does dating mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

Time factor, people change

Dating is providing indexes in time. To make our words and statements - our evaluations - more extensional in regard to the time factor, er practice dating, applying a date to the terms we use
Events and people never remain “frozen” in time, time changes things

63
Q

What does et cetera mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

We can never say that

We use it as an extensional device to indicate that we can never say all, that we can always say more about whatever we are talking about. Since a “map” can never cover all the territory it represents, using etc. indicates to ourselves and others that the last word has not been said

64
Q

What does visualization mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

Thinking in pictures is good

Thinking in pictures has the potential to enhance your language use and move your evaluating and expression in a more extensional direction

65
Q

What does non-allness terms mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

“An answer may be”… Rather than “the answer is…”

Be careful when we apply “all” or “never”

66
Q

What does qualifying mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

How sure we are about something, “I think blank is the answer” putting a limit makes us stray away from absolution

Such phrases such as “as far as I know” “under these circumstances” and “to me” “up to a point” help us to qualify and limit what might otherwise sound like over generalizations
It also helps nudge us away from either-or evaluations. A s far as we know, absolutistic ways of thinking do not lead to sane ways of acting

67
Q

What does quantifying mean and how does it help us to be more “extensional”?

A

It enables us to measure,observe, “see” what a general statement actually means

Putting a number to something- you’re driving 5 miles over the speed limit

68
Q

What are classifications?

A

Classify human beings based on their association of certain groups

  • the label strips people of their individuality, the true person that they are in totality
  • when focusing on labels, we perceive people as overly simplistic, missing who they are
69
Q

What are the potential pitfalls of using and “thinking from classifications”

A

We lose individualism

70
Q

What is the main purpose of the semantic man article

A

To describe Irving J. Lee, a man who embodies the principle of general semantics (or at least the best example of one). He is not fully understood, but he applied Korzybski’s principles to his one behavior in dealing with individuals, situations, problems, and in gaining a deeper inset into the world around him

**it first attempts to present a brief picture of Lee and secondly, it attempts to convey Lee’s own description of a semantic man if he were to apply the principles of general semantics to his own behavior

71
Q

What are the key ideas presented in the article

A

Extensionalization= an essential approach to being, thinking, and doing.
(It means habitually applying a scientific attitude to events of your everyday life. Looking outside of your mind to the real concrete situation/context and test if what is in your mind is testable. Test hypotheses like in science prior to believing what is in your mind is real)

The general semantics approach is an ideal, and few of us can achieve it 100% of the time, but it is a discipline worth developing for ourselves, our relationships, and our humanity

72
Q

What are the main assumptions underlying the authors thinking

A

The general semantics approach is recommended for effectiveness in life and relationships
Irving lee was an example of the principles described in general semantics

73
Q

If we take the authors line of reasoning seriously, what are the implications

A

We can improve the accuracy of our thinking and effectiveness of our actions if we apply the general semantics methodology to our lives

74
Q

If we don’t take the authors reasoning “to heart” what are the implications?

A

We will continue to make mistakes and mis-evaluations harming our relationships and the greater society
We also will not achieve our true human potential

CMN 105 (3 decks)

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