Unit 4 - Language
What is language?
• Common tool everyone uses to communicate
Symbols
• Symbols are arbitrary representations; we choose a word to represent
an object or concept and then send the word across a channel to
someone else
• Be clear; clarity = understanding
Symbols are…
• Arbitrary because there is no
innate connection between an
object or thought and the word
we use to represent it.
• Example (desk)
• Ambiguous because meanings
are in people and not in words.
• Example (“a lot” or “expensive”)
Try it! Jot down a numerical answer to the
following questions
• Roberto has a lot of money. How much money does he have?
• Alisha sends a lot of texts each day. How many does she send?
• The temperature outside during Mark’s vacation was unbearable.
What was the temperature?
• When I graduate and get a job, my five-year goal is to own an
expensive car. How much will the car cost?
Exception to clarity…
• Creative ambiguity – mask a message that might be hurtful; generally
communicates a lack of excitement
• Ask for clarification when talking about an important issues with
another person
Difference between denotative and
connotative
Denotative Meaning
Connotative Meaning
• The dictionary definition of a word
• Denotation represents the explicit
or referential meaning of a symbol
• Includes the feelings and emotions
people attach to a word.
• Connotation represents the various social
overtones, cultural implications, or
emotional meanings associated with a
symbol
Communicators don’t share connotative meanings, can result in misunderstandings.
Denotation vs. Connotation
• Thin,
• slim,
• lanky,
• skinny,
• gaunt,
• slender
• Rank the words in order from
positive to negative.
Denotation vs. Connotation
• Aggressive
• Assertive
• Domineering
• Dynamic
• Pushy
• Forceful
• Rank the words in order from
positive to negative.
Denotation vs. Connotation
Photographers stood patiently along the walkway,
awaiting the arrival of the Oscar nominees.
The paparazzi lined the walkway anxiously poised
to snap the Oscar nominees
Denotation vs. Connotation
Activity (on your own)
Content & Relationship Levels of Meaning
1st Level – Content Level
2nd level – Relationship Level
• Refers to the factual
interpretation of words
• Verbal – the spoken words
• Expresses the relationship
between communicators
• Nonverbal – tone, posture, etc.
• Example: “So, I see you didn’t do
the dishes.”
• Example: “You lazy person, what
have you been doing all day?”
Significance of Relational Messages
• Relational messages refer to the relationship between you and the
person you are communicating with and your feelings toward each
other
• Deal with social needs (i.e. inclusion, control, affection, and respect)
Levels of Meaning Activity
• Rhetorical Sensitivity – reviewing all of the available symbols and
using the one that is least likely to be offensive to the listener.
• Loaded Words – a word that has a positive or negative connotative
meaning in addition to its denotative meaning
• Being rhetorically sensitive means that we choose the term that
would convey the appropriate emotional meaning and be least likely
to offend someone.
Racist/Religious/Cultural Language
• Includes words that denigrate someone of a particular ethnic
background
• Any term that is offensive to a group with different characteristics
from the majority falls into this category as well
Sexist/Heterosexist Language
• Sexist language – denigrates someone based on their sex
• Heterosexist language – assumes everyone in society is heterosexual
Noninclusive Language
• Language that excludes certain groups
• Using the term “policeman” instead of a term that includes everyone
who serves
Profanity
• The utterance of irreverent, vulgar, or obscene language
• Varies depending on culture