Language

2. Nicholas J Dugan Interpersonal Communication Language

3. Overview • What is language? • What are some of the rules, symbols and meanings that govern language. • How is language used? • How does language connect people to the world as well other people? • What are some ways we can improve our everyday language ?

4. What is language? • Language is a structured system of symbols used for communicating meaning. • Words are symbols for objects or ideas; words or gestures are the most basic form of any language. • Love is a word that is a symbol for what kind of emotions? (Floyd, 2009)

5. Language has structure. • Four main types of language rules. • Phonological rules- the proper pronunciation of words. • Syntactic rules-governs the order of words in phrases. • Semantic rules-deals with individual meanings of words. • Pragmatic rules-deals with the interpretations of statements. (Floyd, 2009)

6. Layers are found in language • Many words can often symbolized two different things; Home is a great example. It a building that gives us shelter as well a place or group where we feel safe. This word has a denotative and a connotative meaning. • Denotative meaning- a word’s literal meaning. (home- building) • Connotative meaning- a word’s implied meaning ( home- safety) (Floyd, 2009)

7. How is language used? • Naming or identifying- • language allows us to connect with others by learning their names. • Teaches us what objects are within the language system. • Words can convince- • we can use words to persuade people to think or act a cretin way . • Language expresses affection and intimacy. • Great communication using our language system is the key to successful relationships. (Floyd, 2009)

8. How is language used? • It can be used to comfort others, and de-stress our own minds. • Using language to communicate empathy can often help others in very stressful situations. • Whether its written or thought to one’s self; Self-talk or journaling use language. Both of these methods have proving to be effective in eliminating stress, completing difficult tasks, or dealing with trauma. (Floyd, 2009)

9. How can we improve? When speaking to someone there are many ways we can improve what we say and how others view us. • Have a goal; think about what impact you want your words to have. • Are you trying to entertain them? Persuade them? Comfort them? • Always consider your audience; put yourself in the listeners shoes. (Floyd, 2009)

10. How can we improve? • Do NOT assume your listeners have the same knowledge as you. • The most common example is when you refer to your family and friends by name when speaking to strangers. • The same is true for opinions especially on controversial issues. • This is particularly relevant when speaking to diverse groups. • Share. • When having a conversation try not to monopolize. Listen and let others speak and share. (Floyd, 2009)

11. How can we improve? • Factual claims are different than opinions. • Keep the separate • Use an appropriate level. • Know how simple or complex you need to be we using language. Don’t try to teach physics to kindergartners. • Do not “talk down” or belittle your listeners; they’ll stop listening. (Floyd, 2009)

12. Works citied • Floyd, K. (2009). Interpersonal Communication. New York City: McGraw Hill.