Language is symbolic and words can have multiple meanings that depend on context. Thought and language influence each other. Culture and the language we speak can shape our worldviews according to theories like linguistic determinism. When communicating through media, using clear language without ambiguous acronyms or emoticons enhances understanding between parties.

1. Chapter 4
Verbal
Communication

2. The Nature of
Language
• Language is symbolic.
• Words have multiple meanings.
– Denotative vs. Connotative
– Meanings are in people, not in
words
• Thought informs language and
vice versa.
• Language is bound by context.
- Competent communication means
understanding a situation.

3. Some Problems with
Language
• Limits of Labeling
– Accepting labels may overlook
individual differences.
Biased language openly excludes or
implies something negative about
certain groups.
Non-biased language uses neutral
terms
in place of biased language.

4. Language in Context—
Culture
• The Cultural Context:
– Culture, Words, and Thought
• Sapir-Whorf hypothesis: A culture’s
words influence thinking.
• Linguistic determinism: Language
influences how we see the world.
• Linguistic relativity: Speakers of
different languages have different
views of the world.

5. Language in Context--
Media
• Mediated contexts
– Communication via technology
requires clear language.
– Acronyms and emoticons can
enhance, or hinder,
communication.

6. Language in Context--
Media
• Mediated contexts
– Communication via technology
requires clear language.
– Acronyms and emoticons can
enhance, or hinder,
communication.