process of linguisctic communication Flashcards
sender
speaker, writer, signer
originates the message
receiver
hearer, reader, viewer
interprits message
code
a system that enables the encoding of imperceptible ideas/thoughts into a perceptible form
eg sounds, writing, signs
encoding
the transfer or packaging of thoughts into linguistic expressions
decoding
the unpacking of meaning from linguistic expressions
message model of communication
language is a mental system used to convey information
container metaphor
linguistic expressions function as containers
information is packed into these containers (encoding) and sent to a receiver
the receiver then unpacks (decodes) the message to retrieve the information
communication breakdown in message model
occurs due to imperfect, sloppy or careless encoding or decoding
assumptions of the message model
language is: a mental system used to convey information. functions through the encoding and decoding of meaning
limitations of the message model
language is not limited to a representational function. it has several other communicative functions, which the message model cannot fully explain
types of non-communicative language use
compulsion, practice function
compulsion function
language that is outside the sender’s control, often observed in individuals with physiological or mental conditions, such as senility (Alzheimer’s etc) or stroke victims
practice function
common in young children acquiring language, language is used as a toy within games, similar to physical toys, helps develop linguistic and social skills
meaning beyond words
linguistic meaning: the basic, conventional meaning of words and sentences
speaker’s or writer’s meaning: what the speaker/writer actually intends to communicate
linguistic meaning serves only as a sketch or outline of the speaker’s full intended message
linguistic context
previous discourse, grammar and syntax
physical context
surrounding environment and situation
social context
relationship between the listener and speaker, shared knowledge, and cultural factors
problem with the message model
lacks clarity, speakers and writers often convey more - or sometimes something completely different - than the direct meaning of their words
two ways to understand the intended meaning
linguistic utterances used by the speaker
context in which the utterance occurred
