Verbal language uses sounds and symbols to communicate through spoken and written words. It has five key features - it is a system, symbolic, conventional, learned, and changing. Language consists of words that have both dictionary definitions (denotation) and personal meanings (connotation). Standard American English is used in formal situations while following grammar rules, but informal situations use sublanguages like jargon specific to groups, slang, or dialects that vary by region or culture.

1. Verbal LanguageVerbal Language
►► Verbal LanguageVerbal Language –– This is a system of spoken &This is a system of spoken &
written words where we use Sounds andwritten words where we use Sounds and
Symbols to communicate.Symbols to communicate.
►► Verbal Language consists of Five importantVerbal Language consists of Five important
features:features:
1.1. Language is a SYSTEMLanguage is a SYSTEM –– Groups of elements, such asGroups of elements, such as
sounds and words, are arranged and work together tosounds and words, are arranged and work together to
communicatecommunicate
2.2. Language is SYMBOLICLanguage is SYMBOLIC –– A symbol is something thatA symbol is something that
stands for something else. Words are symbols forstands for something else. Words are symbols for
ideas, actions, objects, and feelings.ideas, actions, objects, and feelings.

2. Verbal Language ContinuedVerbal Language Continued
3.3. Language is CONVENTIONALLanguage is CONVENTIONAL –– This means thatThis means that
language is accepted by a large number of people.language is accepted by a large number of people.
People attach specific meanings to certain words.People attach specific meanings to certain words.
““What are some examples?What are some examples?””
4.4. Language is LEARNEDLanguage is LEARNED –– Do we come into this worldDo we come into this world
knowing how to speak a language? No, we learn theknowing how to speak a language? No, we learn the
language of our culture over time.language of our culture over time. ““Does this meanDoes this mean
that we only begin to communicate at a certain age?that we only begin to communicate at a certain age?””
5.5. Language CHANGESLanguage CHANGES –– The English Language isThe English Language is
constantly changing and evolving.constantly changing and evolving. ““What are someWhat are some
examples of words that have multiple meanings?examples of words that have multiple meanings?””

3. Words and their meaningsWords and their meanings
►► Understanding differences in words andUnderstanding differences in words and
their meanings will help you communicatetheir meanings will help you communicate
effectively. Those meanings areeffectively. Those meanings are
communicated in 2 ways:communicated in 2 ways:
1.1. DenotationDenotation –– This is the Dictionary DefinitionThis is the Dictionary Definition
of a word, but be careful because many of theof a word, but be careful because many of the
same words have multiple meanings.same words have multiple meanings. ““LetLet’’ss
think of some examples.think of some examples.””
2.2. ConnotationConnotation –– This is what the word means toThis is what the word means to
you based on your feelings and experiences.you based on your feelings and experiences.

4. Standard American English (SAE)Standard American English (SAE)
►►This is language that is used in FORMALThis is language that is used in FORMAL
speaking situations. SAE follows the rulesspeaking situations. SAE follows the rules
and guidelines found in grammar books,and guidelines found in grammar books,
and covers such topics as subject/verband covers such topics as subject/verb
agreement, correct use of tenses, etc.agreement, correct use of tenses, etc.

5. SublanguagesSublanguages
►► Sublanguages are used when speaking inSublanguages are used when speaking in
INFORMAL situations. The different categoriesINFORMAL situations. The different categories
are:are:
1.1. JargonJargon –– This is specializedThis is specialized vocabvocab. that is used and. that is used and
understood by people in a particular group or activity.understood by people in a particular group or activity.
For example, Doctors, Lawyers, Football Players, etc.For example, Doctors, Lawyers, Football Players, etc.
all have certain language that they use that is, for theall have certain language that they use that is, for the
most part, unique to their field.most part, unique to their field. However, Jargon canHowever, Jargon can
be Formal if the audience members are a part of thatbe Formal if the audience members are a part of that
group or field.group or field.

6. Sublanguages ContinuedSublanguages Continued
2.2. SlangSlang –– Created words, or old words used inCreated words, or old words used in
a new way. Slang is typically associated witha new way. Slang is typically associated with
time periods like the 80time periods like the 80’’s or the 90s or the 90’’s, ands, and
usually starts with teenagers.usually starts with teenagers.
3.3. DialectDialect –– This is language based on region orThis is language based on region or
culture that varies from SAE.culture that varies from SAE. ““For example,For example,
do we speak differently from people in Bostondo we speak differently from people in Boston
or New York? Furthermore, do Americansor New York? Furthermore, do Americans
speak differently than people from otherspeak differently than people from other
countries?countries?””