1. Conor Geraghty
Com. 107
09/18/12
Test #1
Semantics is an essential component of communications which is the study of meaning.
The main point of communication is the formation of collective meaning. Basically, any message
can create some form of meaning, arguably the most important being the words we choose. Let’s
say for example one would like to use a word to describe a friend as being cool. One could take
that into two different word meanings: denotative and connotative meaning. Denotative meaning
is the actual and literal definition of the word. According to the dictionary, the word cool means
“rather cold, often in a pleasant way.” That being said, the word cool can also have a connotative
meaning, the explanatory meaning attached to them. In this context, the word cool could also
mean fashionable, or relaxed and calm. Even though the word ‘cool’ by definition relates to the
weather, it could also hold connotative meaning behind it. It all depends on the usage of the word
and what fits the context.
Conversational rules are guidelines everyday people subconsciously follow when
organizing a discussion. A few examples of these “rules” include basic manners, such as saying
please when asking a favor, saying thank you when someone does something nice and friendly,
and saying you are welcome when someone thanks you. If one asks a question, the typical
response would be to at least try to answer the question. If you do not know the answer, then a
simple, “I do not know,” would also be used. Another rule could be saying excuse me when
somebody is in the way of your destination or if you bump into them while walking. According
to the text book, “the most-researched conversational rules involve turn taking.” English
speakers have adapted the rule of speaking on ones turn, meaning to have one person talking at a

2. time and limit any interruptions. That way a point can be made without getting side tracked. This
rule can also differ in certain environments. For example, if you are in a classroom, generally the
teacher has the floor. It is common knowledge to let the teacher speak while the audience, or
classmates, listens. Typically, if a student wants to speak, he or she would raise their hand and
wait to be called on. This system works for the most part, however these rules are not always
followed. Some speakers are faster to grasp the turn to talk, allowing them more time and
opportunities to say what they need to say. Those who are slower have fewer opportunities and
may feel left out of the interaction.
Geographical location has a very solid impact of people’s linguistic use. The biggest
influence is pronunciation. For example, in the United States, the northern and southern states
have different accents. A man from the Deep South may draw out his words more often, but
northerners tend to speak more nasally. Americans also have different dialects in certain regions
of the nation. Northerners may call a bubbler a water fountain, but a southerner may call a water
fountain a bubbler. Verbal differences developed over time when geographical boundaries like
lakes, mountains or lakes, or social boundaries like race or class separated people. Most isolated
groups have a more distinct dialect. The world can be described as a global village, meaning
people from all over the world are in connection with one another. According to a study
described in the book, “local dialects are stronger than ever” The main reason behind this is
because people talk similar to the people they hear and live around all the time. Due to patterns
of isolation, dialectic differences have occurred.
Education and occupation are discussed together because they often go hand in hand. For
example, lawyers understand each other and speak in a similar language because they share an
occupation and their education background is quite similar. Often, people who are highly

3. educated have a better chance of speaking similarly. Education also affects dialect because
colleges appeal to students from different backgrounds and nations. Due to this, all college
students are exposed too many different dialects and cultures. While in college, students tend to
pick up comparable vocabularies from their shared experiences. Your profession impacts the
specialized terms, called jargons, you use to properly interact. For example, lawyers use terms
such as foreclosures or contracts, and physicians talk about contusions. You wouldn’t hear a
lawyer talking about balancing PH levels, nor would you hear a physician talking about the
Supreme Court. In general, most occupations including jobs in the medical, law, and even theater
have their own unique jargons.
Language labels that mention to specific identities bring up important messages about
power relations. Powerful group members label other less powerful groups without any input
whatsoever. Straight people label gays, and white people use ethnic slurs to refer to people of
other races such as Black, or people of color. Most people are not aware of the subconscious
labeling, and they do not think about the several assumptions that in any way reflect social
control. Not only do powerful label the less powerful, but they also feel the need to ridicule
them. For example, gay simple means to be happy. But people start to use the word in a negative
cogitation which then leads to the use of the word to be discriminative towards those of
homosexual personalities. This then lead to stereotypes and cruel jokes that is still very common
today. Certain groups do not have the same literal meaning for specific labels. For example, men
do not like to be called boys because they may find it highly disrespectful.
A type of communication that provokes threatening remarks that affect other people’s
image is disconfirming communication. This generally happens when someone makes a
comment that may reject your self-image. For example, if a friend says “hey, I think I am going

4. to med school!” Then, the other person in the conversation smirks and says something like, “oh,
good luck with that.” This response can be taken as disconfirming because if said in the wrong
tone, the friend going to med school can take it in a way that suggests “well, you’re going to
need all the help you can get.” This may suggest the friend is under qualified for med school or is
not committed enough to go through with it. It could be taken in a sarcastic manner. These types
of messages are harmful to one’s self-image and can also affect relationships. The other more
useful type of communication is confirming communication. These messages provide a solid,
effective way to approve of someone’s self-image when in a conversation. For example, instead
of the sarcastic comment from before, you could respond to your friend like this, “That’s great.
All your hard work will pay of eventually. I am very proud of you. I know you can do big things
with your life.” This shows positive feedback that not only boosts ones self-confidence, but it
also creates a better relationship between the two people. Most people would rather hear positive
feedback and talk to people who make them feel good about themselves.