Chp 5: Language

Language

words or symbols that are created to express meaning

Problems with Language

Labeling, abstract or unclear language, multiple meanings, polarization, under or overuse of Politically Correct language, profanity

Characteristics

arbitrary, ambiguous, abstract, negative

Arbitrary

Words have generally agreed upon meaning (denotative). They allow us to communicate with others.

Three parts of language

signifier, signified, sign

Ferdinand de Saussure

a Swiss linguist

Saussure's theory

Meaning is created inside the language

Ambiguous

Words do not have absolute meaning

Connotations

the feelings associated with that word, meanings we give to things through experiences

Abstract

Language is intangible

Evasion

avoiding giving details

Euphemism

using inoffensive words to replace offensive words

Slang

using informal, nonstandard words

Jargon

using technical language

Negative

Language creates a void or separation

Metaphor

helps us understand through comparison

Simile

compare through using "like" or "as"

Synecdoche

uses part to stand for the whole

Metonyms

use tangible objects to refer to intangible things

Archetype

uses common experiences to help describe another object

Mixed metaphors

compare to inconsistent things

Sapir Whorf Hypothesis

the belief that the labels we use help shape the way we think, our worldview and behavior

Linguistic Determinism

one's language determines the way one's mind constructs knowledge or thought.

This influence of language on culture is called

Linguistic Relativism

Profanity

vulgar and irrelevant language

Repetition

the practice of repeating words and phrases either immediately following the initial statement or in the same location in a message

Alliteration

the practice of using the same vowel or consonant sound at the beginning of consecutive words

Parallelism

the practice of placing related words or phrases in a pattern that highlights what they have in common

Antithesis

the practice of placing two contrasting ideas side by side in a parallel structure

Narrative

a story that's told when trying to explain or argue something with an audience