The document discusses several key topics related to language and communication: 1) It defines what language is, including words having multiple meanings like denotative and connotative meanings. 2) Grammar and context are important for effective communication. Grammar provides rules but language must also be understood within its context. 3) The functions of language include communication, controlling, informing, feeling, and imagining. Language acquisition involves learning words and how to use them appropriately. 4) There can be problems with language meaning due to vagueness, evasion, bias, and lack of shared context between communicators. Understanding semantics and pragmatics is important.

1. LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
Real Communication by Dan O’Hair and Mary Weimann

2. LANGUAGE
What is language?

3. LANGUAGE
A word is a symbol or a sign for
something which forms a language.
Words have multiple meanings.
Denotative meaning is a basic and
acceptable definition.
Connotative meaning is the
emotional or response that people
have to it.

4. LANGUAGE
Cognitive language is the language we use to
describe people, things, or situations in our
mind.
This is related to our thoughts, attitudes, co-
cultures, the society in which we live.
This can influence language and how we form
our message.

5. GRAMMAR
The system of rules of a language that serves as a way to
create words, phrases and sentences.
Language is bound by relational, situational, and cultural
context.
To communicate well, you must understand the context as
much as the grammar.

6. WHAT IS FOCACCE?

7. WHAT IS FOCACCE?
We need the context...

8. FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
Communication
Acquisition is learning how
to use the words in a
language, appropriately
and effectively in context.

9. FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
controlling
informing
feeling
imagining
ritualizing

10. PROBLEMS WITH LANGUAGE
AND MEANING

11. PROBLEMS
Hayakawa’s abstraction ladder
language can range from
vague to specific
high is very vague
low is very specific

12. PROBLEMS
evasion
equivocation
euphemisms
slang
jargon

13. PROBLEMS
Semantics is the meaning of
words.
Pragmatics is the appropriate
use of words.
Use of labels can erase
individual differences.

14. PROBLEMS
Biased language is infused
with subtle meanings that
might affect our perceptions.
PC-Politically Correct!
facts, opinions, inferences
“Just so you know, we’re on the good
side with y’all. We do not want this war,
this violence, and we’re ashamed that
the President of the United States is
from Texas.”

15. LANGUAGE AND CONTEXT

16. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Speech repertoires are files of
language possibilities.
church
family
friends
work

17. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Relationships
High language
Low language
How comfortable are you?

18. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
says our words influence
our thinking.
If there is no word in that
language for something,
then the culture likely has
few thoughts about that
concept.

19. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Linguistic determinism-
language determines how
we see the world around
us.
Linguistic relativity-
speakers of different
languages have different
world views.

20. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Linguistic determinism-
language determines how
we see the world around
us.
Linguistic relativity-
speakers of different
languages have different
world views.

21. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
High-context cultures use
the context to
communicate in subtle
ways.
Low-context cultures use
direct methods of
communicating.

22. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Gender Roles
Geographic Area
Dialects
Chat Rooms
Texting
Technology

23. LANGUAGE BEHAVIORS
Accommodation
Code switching
Style switching