This document discusses different aspects of language and meaning. It defines language as a system of symbols and rules used for communication. It then outlines three main rules of language: semantics, which is the study of meaning; syntax, which involves word arrangement; and pragmatics, which concerns language use in social contexts. The document also discusses additional concepts like how words can have different meanings and the importance of avoiding confusing terminology.
4. Semantics:
The study of the way humans use language to evoke
meaning in others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcBvGToIxgA
5. Syntax:
the way we arrange
words
to form phrases
and sentences
6. Pragmatics:
Language as it is used in social context
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aeCxWyNAQQ
7. Phatic communication:
When we Do NOT to communicate information or
ideas, rather to establish a mood of sociability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v80J9E11tlk
12. avoid these when you speak:
grammatical errors
Slang
Clichés
Euphemism
Profanity
Jargon
Regionalism
sexist/racist/heterosexist/ageist languages
13. Slang, Cliché
Slang: informal, casual
street language
Cliché: overused expression
that lost originality
14. Profanity: language that is disrespectful of sacred things
http://www.worldmag.com/2011/11/profanity_and_art
15. Euphemism:
avoiding language that would be offensive in a social
setting (not necessary to be avoided)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNk_kzQCclo
16. Jargon, Regionalism
Jargon: language particular to a specific profession
Regionalism: words and phrases specific to a region
Technical Jargon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2LvQUcwqc
Regionalism, and why it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8TWfuOiNzE
17. Descriptiveness and Paraphrasing
Descriptiveness: instead of judging it, we describe the observed
behavior or phenomena
Paraphrasing is restating the content of the message by rephrasing
19. Confusion can arise…
If you suspect someone might misunderstand your terminology, you
must define the term.
Define potentially confusing words when you speak.
It is recommended to use concrete language rather
than vague or abstract when you speak.
20. Dating & Frozen evaluation
Dating: specify when you made the observation since everything
changes over time.
Frozen evaluation: in which you don’t allow your assessment to
change over time.
Dating is the opposite of frozen evaluation.
21. Observation & Inferences
Observation: descriptions of what is sensed
Inferences: conclusions drawn from observations