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CP CH 5 Slides

Language has several key characteristics: it is arbitrary, ambiguous, abstract, and can express negatives. It uses symbols that are arbitrarily connected to their meanings. Words can have multiple interpretations and meanings depend on context. Language represents intangible concepts and ideas. By using one word, other possibilities are excluded. Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech help convey concepts in an imaginative way. Language has underlying structures like repetition, alliteration, and parallelism. Effective communication follows guidelines like using inclusive, respectful language tailored to the audience.

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62 views10 pages

CP CH 5 Slides

Language has several key characteristics: it is arbitrary, ambiguous, abstract, and can express negatives. It uses symbols that are arbitrarily connected to their meanings. Words can have multiple interpretations and meanings depend on context. Language represents intangible concepts and ideas. By using one word, other possibilities are excluded. Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech help convey concepts in an imaginative way. Language has underlying structures like repetition, alliteration, and parallelism. Effective communication follows guidelines like using inclusive, respectful language tailored to the audience.

Uploaded by

api-450369672
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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5

LANGUAGE

Valenzano III, J. M., Broeckelman-Post, M. A., & Sahlstein Parcell, E. M. (2016).


Communication Pathways.  Southlake, TX: Fountainhead.
Characteristics of language
• Arbitrary
• Ambiguous
• Abstract
• Negative
Arbitrary
• Symbols are not directly related to the
things they represent
• “Car” has no relationship to the things we
drive around town
• It is connected to what we think is a “car”
• Words have generally agreed upon meaning
• They allow us to communicate with others
Three parts of language
• Signifier = the thing in our experience
• Signified = idea we have for that thing
• Sign = the symbol we use to refer to the
thing
Ambiguous
• Words do not have absolute meaning
• Meaning is fuzzy in real life
• Dictionary definitions are not always
what we “mean” when we use words
• Words have connotations, meanings we
give to things through experiences
Abstract
• Language is intangible
• We use and interpret language
• Some words are more specific than
others, however
Negative
• Language creates a void or separation
• When we use a word, we are also not
using other words
• Sometimes it’s best to explain what you
don’t mean in order to achieve
understanding
Metaphoric Language
• Metaphor helps us understand through comparison
• Similes 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 incongruous things
• Dead are common or cliché flourishes of language
Structures of Language
• Repetition
• Alliteration
• Parallelism
• Antithesis
• Narrative
Guidelines for Dialogic Language
• Use inclusive language
• Avoid profanity
• Avoid hate speech
• Use culturally appropriate metaphors
• Use familiar language
• Be specific and concrete
• Use descriptive language

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