LANGUAGE

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What is a Language?
A language is a system of
symbols (most commonly words)
used by people to communicate.
Speech community is a group
of people who speak the same
language
Words are symbols used by a
speech community to represent
objects, ideas, and feelings.
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 Characteristics of
Language
Language is arbitrary: members should agree on word
symbols

Language is abstract: existing only in mind

Language changes over time: creation of new
words

Using language appropriately is

vital
to communicate accurately, clearly, and
vividly.
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The Relationship Between
Language and Meaning
Semantics:
 You should know the meanings of
words and how to use them

 Good speakers have respect for

language and know how it works.

 Words are the tools of a

speaker’s craft. COMMUNICATE! Verderber,
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 Denotation: the direct, explicit
meaning a speech community
formally gives a word.
Connotation: the feelings or
evaluations we associate with a
word.
Syntactic context: the position of
a word in a sentence and the other
words around it.

The message that counts is the message that is

understood, not the one you intended.

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COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS
should be avoided to new speakers.
It is never too late to improve your
language habits.
JARGON can be difficult for a
layperson.
Do not assume that your audience
will know what you are talking
about. Give them ‘cushion’

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OFFENSIVE
LANGUAGE
Read the following sentences for
picking up the words which
may be offensive.

Teacher: ‘When I speak to the

parent of one of my students, I like
to ask what expectations she has
for her child’s progress.’

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CEO: ‘I am looking for a new
manager who will speak his
mind.’

---------:
‘Above all it is language
that separates man from the
other creatures.’

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-------:‘The major responsibility
of a school teacher is to make
sure her students learn reading,
writing, and arithmetic.’

When a pilot flies an airplane, he

must have an air traffic map with
him.

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NON-DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE
We should not be biased or
discriminate against any gender,
race and religion.

Words that describe people in an

insulting way should not be used.

Many words that were once

acceptable are no longer politically
correct.
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WORDS THAT ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE
Air hostess Mailman
Spokesman Policeman
Chairman Salesman
Policeman Waitress
Crippled Weatherman
Deaf Workman
Businessman Newsman
Mankind Manmade
Anchorman Foreman
Advertising  Englishman
man Fireman
Mrs., Miss
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Examples:
Ineffective: Each time a surgeon
walks into the operating room, he
risks being sued for malpractice
More effective: Each time a surgeon
walks into the operating room, he or
she risks being sued for malpractice.
OR
 Whenever surgeons walk into the
operating room, they risk being sued
for malpractice
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Avoid the use of ‘Man’ when
referring to both Men and Women
Ineffective: If a large comet struck the
earth, it could destroy all of mankind.

More effective: If a large comet struck

the earth, it could destroy all human life.

Ineffective: Dog is man’s best friend.

More effective: Dog is person’s best

friend.
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Avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles
by gender.
 Ineffective: Being a small businessman in the
current economic climate is not easy.
 More effective: Being a small businessperson
in the current economic climate is not easy.

Avoid unnecessary or superior

gender labels
 Ineffective: Sarwat Shah is an outstanding
lady judge.
 More effective: Sarwat Shah is an outstanding
judge. (Receptionist, Doctor, actor, lawyer etc.)
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CONCLUSION:
WORDS ARE TOOLS USE THEM CAREFULLY
Use active language, use verbs, and talk
about real things not abstraction.
Avoid sloppy grammar. For example: write
“I am very pleased.” instead of “I am real
pleased.”
Use positive language. For example:
Thank you for not
smoking
Repeat key words.
Read through your presentation for
statement or words that may offend or
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Thank you

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