A collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages (meaning) between individuals
Made of Symbols Alphabet, numbers, gestures, verbal sounds
Is Rule Governed Semantic, syntactic, pragmatic, phonological
Meaning between individuals Is a process
Meaning in people not words Change with time, place, and experience Denotative- dictionary meaning Connotative- subjective/personal
meanings
Grammar, Accent
Labels Person’s Name Title
Affiliation Jargon and Slang
Attraction and interest Joe and Jane or Jane and Joe
Responsibility I versus You messages You make me mad…I feel angry when…
Linguistic determinism: Whorf-Sapir Hypothesis Reflects▪ Impact of the world on a culture▪ Eskimos/Snow
Shapes▪ Understanding of what is important to the
culture▪ Time, Family Relationships
Used to spare one’s feelingsUsed to be politically correct
Reflects concerns of a particular group of people
Used to Manipulate feelings, level of responsibility; status
Talk About: Music, Current Events, Sports, Business
Gossip about sports figures and media personalities
Conversation is a game; make it fun
Words: use swear words, interrupt more
Goal: Use language as a way to assert control Reach goals, solve problems, offer advice
Talk About: Relationship problems, Family, Health,
Reproductive matters, Weight, food, Clothing Gossip About:
Close friends and family Conversation
is about feelings, relationships Words:
justifiers, intensive adverbs, talk less in mixed sex dyads
Goal: Use conversation to meet need for empathy Use Language to maintain Harmony
