Com 101 - C5

Front 1

The nature of language:

Back 1

- words are arbitrary: we could use other symbols as long as we agreed.
- words are ambiguous: words mean different things to different people.
- words are abstract and powerful: represent objects, ideas, and feelings.

Front 2

Components of language:

Back 2

1. phonology - sounds that compose language.
2. syntax - rules that govern word order.
3. semantics - meaning of the words, choice and life, death and estate.
4. pragmatics - patters and rules, conversational rules, and contextual rules.

Front 3

People may agree with what is said but disagree with what is meant.

Back 3

The meaning of words is in people and not the words themselves.

Front 4

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Back 4

language affects how people think and what they pay attention to, if you have words, you perceive more.

Front 5

Gender Language - Male

Back 5

- language is used to exert control and enhance status.
- verbal style is competitive and assertive.
- conversations are negotiations for power.
- report talk.

Front 6

Gender Language - Female

Back 6

- language is used to establish and maintain relationships.
- verbal style is supportive, personal, and disclosive.
- conversations are negotiations for closeness.
- rapport talk.

Front 7

Regional differences:

Back 7

- geographical location influences people's language use.
- pronunciation - how do you say the word "oil" or "roof"
- difference word choice - carbonated beverage

Front 8

Cultural differences:

Back 8

low-context cultures - cultures in which messages are direct, specific, and detailed.
high-context cultures - cultures in which messages are indirect, general, and ambiguous.

Front 9

Disconfirming statements:

Back 9

comments that are reject or invalidate.
Tracey: guess what? I got an A on my midterm.
Bill: gee, it must have been an easy test.

Front 10

Confirming statements:

Back 10

comments that validate.
Tracey: guess what? I got an A on my midterm.
Bill: that's great. I know you studied hard. Congratulations.

Front 11

Question Phrasing: Influences Answers

Back 11

- did you eat those cookies?
- why did you eat those cookies?
- did you notice the strange man?
- did you notice a strange man?

Front 12

Question Phrasing: Influences Memory

Back 12

- in terms of hours, how long did you study? (ex. 1, 2, 3?)
- in terms of hours, how long did you study? (ex. 1, 5, 10?)

Front 13

Language & Power

Back 13

people in power get to define what languages and communication styles are appropriate.

Front 14

Co-Culture Theory

Back 14

- social hierarchy.
- privilege of setting communication norms.
- language reinforces the power of the powerful.
- "feminine style" is valued in relationships.
- those who do not conform are disadvantaged.