Chapter 3
Language and Communication
Goals of this chapter:
1). Define what we mean by language and discuss its relation to culture
2). Learn the different functions of language
3). Discuss ways in which language and stereotypes shape our view of the world
4). Learn the different types of definitions
5). Differentiate between a purely verbal dispute and a genuine disagreement
6). Look at communication styles and how sex and culture may influence them
7). Examine the role of nonverbal communication
8). Look at ways in which language and rhetoric can be used to manipulate people
9). Examine the issue of free-speech zones on campuses and the justification for having rules restricting speech that would normally be protected off campus.
Language: is a system of communication that involves a set of arbitrary symbols, whether spoken, written, or nonverbal, as in the case of sign language.
Fun fact: pg. 63 - there are 6,800 known languages in the world, and we are born with an innate ability to acquire language. (check out page 63 and beyond for more cool stuff about language).
Informative Language: this type of language is either true or false. An example of this type of language would be a fact. The fact is either true, or it's not.
Directive Language: this type of language is used to direct or influence actions. An example of this would be persuasive language (or as some of you are well aware, a persuasive speech). But at a basic level, it is language that can direct or influence behaviors (i.e. asking someone to complete a task).
Expressive Language: this is language that expresses feeling and attitudes, and is used to bring about an emotional impact on the listener.
Ceremonial Language: the fourth function of language, is used in prescribed formal circumstances such as the greeting "How are you?" and "I do" in a marriage ceremony and "Amen" after a prayer. Bowing or shaking a person's hand also serves a ceremonial function in many cultures.
Nonverbal Language: pg. 65 - We often look to nonverbal cues, such as body language or tone of voice, when interpreting someone's communication. Indeed, many jurors make up their mind about a case mainly on the basis of the nonverbal behavior of the defendant. Although some nonverbal communication is universal, such as smiling when happy, raising the eyebrow to signal recognition, and making the "disgust face" to show repulsion, much of it is culturally determined.
Personal Note: Nonverbal Communication has interested me for a number of years. When I was an undergrad student at SJSU, for part of my senior project I worked with Dr. Hegstrom (recently retired) to do a bit of research on Nonverbal Communication. He had quite a few videos for a research study he had started, but had not yet completed, regarding the matching/mirror principle for nonverbal communication. This means that when people are in a conversation with one another, they will either match or mirror the other persons body positioning. So there I was, a senior in college, watching tape after tape after tape trying to code these two principles in one minute intervals. While we did not find statistical significance with the tapes we had at our disposal, I truly feel like we 'could' have, had the study been conducted a bit differently. Needless to say, nonverbal communication has been quite interesting to me for quite a long time, and is one of the reasons why I am a professor of communication studies. Lucky you. ;)
Onto Definitions:
First, we must understand a few key principles:
1). Denotative Meaning: The denotative meaning of a word or phrase expresses the properties of the object, being or event the word is symbolizing; it is the same as its lexical or dictionary definition.
2). Connotative Meaning: The connotative meaning of a word or phrase includes feelings and personal thoughts that are elicited on the basis of past experiences and associations.
3). Stereotyping: In stereotyping, rather than seeing people as individuals, we see and label them as members of a particular group.
Got that? Ok great!!! Let's move on to definitions now.
Definitions:
1). Stipulative Definition: A definition given to a new term or a new combination of old terms. See page 69 for a more extensive explanation.
2). Lexical Definitions: This is as simple as it gets: a lexical definition is simply the dictionary definition.
3). Precising Definition: The definitions are used to reduce vagueness that occurs when it is not clear exactly what meaning a word or concept encompasses.
4). Theoretical Definitions: These are a special class of precising definitions used to explain the specific nature of a term.
5). Operational Definition: A definition with standardized measure for use in data collection and interpretation.
6). Persuasive Definition: A definition used as a means to influence others to accept our view.
There are 5 criteria for evaluating defintions:
1). A good definition is neither too broad nor too narrow.
2). A good definition should state the essential attributes of the term being defined.
3). A good definition is not circular.
4). A good definition avoids obscure and figurative language.
5). A good definition avoids emotive language.
Page 74
Individual Styles of Communication:
Starting on Page 81, there is a discussion about Cultural Differences in Communication Styles. Don't skip that discussion, it's pretty cool! ;)
Next, starting on page 83, there is a discussion about Rhetorical Devices, Euphemism, Dysphemism and my favorite, Sarcasm. Click the words below for more detail.
Finally, the book discusses Deception and Lying. This is a very interesting discussion as well, so don't skip this either. You'll be able to impress your friends and family with your new found knowledge about deception and lying (particularly as it pertains to the upcoming campaign.......wait, did I just say that?).
Pretty cool chapter, huh?
No comments:
Post a Comment