Abstraction Ladder
A range of more abstract to less abstract terms describing an event or object; The higher the level of abstraction, the more vague the statement becomes
Ambiguous Language
Language consisting of words and phrases that have more than one commonly accepted definition; Words are phrases that have more than one commonly accepted definition (e.g. love). Uses could be: Face-saving and Euphemisms
But" statement
A statement in which the second half cancels the meaning of the first. Face-saving strategy worth using sometimes and are often contradictions
(e.g., You are a really great person, but I don't think we should date anymore.)
Convergence
The process of adapting one's speech style to match that of others with whom one wants to identify.
Divergence
Speaking in a way that emphasizes difference from others.
Evaluative Language
Language that conveys the sender's attitude rather than simply offering an objective description.
Euphemism
A pleasant term substituted for a blunt one to soften the impact of unpleasant information. (e.g., "downsizing" instead of "cuts") Softens the impact of unpleasant information
I Language
Language that uses first-person singular pronouns to identify the source of the message to take responsibility.
It" Statement
A statement in which it replaces the personal pronoun, making the statement less direct and more evasive; Avoids responsibility for ownership of the message; attributing it to an unidentified body
Phonological rules
Govern how sounds are combined to form words. Rules determine how spoken language sounds
Politeness
Communicating in ways that save face for both senders and receivers.
Powerful Language
Direct and forceful word choices, with declarations and assertions.
Powerless Language
Forms of speech that communicate to others a lack of power in the speaker.
Pragmatic Rules
Tell us what uses and interpretations of a message are appropriate in a given context.
Racist Language
Language that classifies members of one racial group as superior and others as inferior.
Relative Language
Words that gain their meaning by comparison.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
The best-known declaration of linguistic relativism, based on the work of Benjamin Whorf and Edward Sapir.
�Some languages have terms used to describe the world that don't exist in other cultures
�Ex: "Lao" (Mandarin):
�Respectful term used for older peop
Semantic Rules
These are rules that govern the meaning of language rather than its structure.
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Without these rules communication would be impossible
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They help us understand the meaning of individual words, but also help explain how language operates
Sexist Language
Words, phrases, and expressions that unnecessarily differentiate between females and males or exclude, trivialize, or diminish either six.
Static Evalutation
Treating people or objects as if they were unchanging. A description or phrase that contains the word "is" or "always
Syntactic Rules
Govern the way symbols can be arranged
"Whiskey makes you sick when you're well."
"Whiskey, when you're sick, makes you well.
We Language
Language implying that the issue discussed is the concern and responsibility of both the speaker and the receiver of the message.
Builds constructive climates: Why?
You" Language
A statement that expresses or implies a judgement of the other person.
Connotative Meaning
slang; socially created definition; can change over time
Denotative Meaning
the dictionary definition; does not change.
Triangle of Meaning
Thought (connection b/t words and object).
Symbol / Word.
Referent (actual person, place, object, emotion).
Symbol, thought of reference, event
Linguistic Relativism
Culture is shaped and reflected in the language its members speak
Gender-less Language
Language has no gender.
Gendered Language
Nouns are assigned a feminine, masculine, or neutral gender
Natural Language
Nouns have no grammatical marking of gender (i.e., Sweden and the U.S.)
Powerless Speech Mannerisms
Lack confidence / are apologetic and uncertain
Ex: hedges, hesitations, polite forms, tag questions, disclaimers (p. 151)
Speakers who avoid this appear more confident, dynamic, and attractive as speakers.
Key to success is to employ a variety of both (wh
Subscripting
To show capability of changing, rather than an unchangeable trait. (e.g., "Sheri is quiet until you get to know her.")
Factual Statements
Claims that can be verified as true or false
Opinion Statements
�Based on the speaker's beliefs
�Invites unnecessary argument.
Inferential Statements
Conclusions arrived at from an interpretation of evidence.
Components:
�Identify observable behaviors (facts) that caught attention
�Describe the interpretations (inferences) drawn from them.
Emotive Language
Seems to describe, but announces the speaker's attitude toward something.
�Express happiness, content, dissatisfaction, anger, sadness, etc.
Two Culture Theory
suggests men and women grow up learning different rules for how to speak and act. More "significant differences" for approach 1.