Definitions of Language:

“Language is a shared symbol system” (Hollihan, Baaske)

“language, is formally speaking, is a set of words and the rules that govern the connection of those words.” (Redmond)

Functions of language:

Informative: communicate information and knowledge.

Expressive: communicate feelings, attitudes and emotions.

Directive: language is used to ask questions, give orders, or make requests.

Language is symbolic

A symbol is something that a group of language users agrees stand for something else.

We all agree that an apple is something you eat, and a bike is something you ride.

Language is also closely tied to culture

Characteristics of language

Symbols are arbitraryIn English Water – refers to H20 and other

languages have other names for it.

Characteristics of language

Language is impreciseAbstract language vs. concrete languageFood, Junk food, candy bar, Snickers

Ambiguous LanguageThere are often multiple interpretations of

words and their meanings

Rules of LanguagePhonological: concerned with how

sounds are used to form words.Syntactic: arrangement of symbols.Semantic: governs meaning of words.Pragmatic: what uses and interpretations

are appropriate in a certain context.

Denotative vs. Connotative meanings

Denotative meanings are concerned with the literal meaning of a word (dictionary).

Connotative meanings are implied or emotional meanings of words.

Competence in language:

Use “concrete-specific” language rather than abstract.

Use clear familiar words.Eliminate “linguistic clutter.”Use appropriate words.Avoid language scapegoating.Avoid ambiguity (equivocation) of words.Beware of static language.

Continued:

powerful vs. powerless language.Avoid sexist language.Vivid language. (use of metaphors,

similes, other stylistic devices)

Use vivid language through imagery:

Use concrete words that call up mental impressions through sight, smell, and taste.

Generate imagery through metaphors and similes.

Use rhythm to enhance vividness of your discourse.

Language is FigurativeMetaphors and SimilesMetaphors are a implicit comparison

between things that are essentially different yet have something in common.Example: “The eyes are the window of the

soul”“The car is a lemon”

Similes

“A simile is an explicit comparison between things that are essentially different yet have something in common.”

A simile contains the words “like” or “as.”Example: “Walking into my grandparent’s home

when I was a child was like being wrapped in a giant security blanket”

“The monuments in Washington DC are being eaten like a giant alka-seltzer tablet.”

Stylistic devices for rhythm:

Parallelism: use of similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences.

Example: “Rich and poor, intelligent and ignorant, wise and foolish, virtuous and vicious, man and women—it is ever the same, each soul must depend wholly on itself.” (Elizabeth Cady Stanton)

Repetition:

Repeating the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences.

Example: “We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.” (George W. Bush)

Alliteration:

Repeating the initial consonant sound in close or adjoining words.

Example: “Peace is essential for progress, but progress is no less essential for peace.” (Liaquat Ali Khan)

Antithesis:

Juxtaposing contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure.

Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” (John F. Kennedy)

Keep in mind that language helps in shaping understanding and meaning for your listeners.