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Module 2 Communication Studies Lesson 1

Language serves several important roles and functions. It allows for complex communication between humans, expressing ideas, thoughts and feelings. Language is influenced by culture and varies between different communities and regions. It is a creative human system that combines features like symbols, sound patterns, and grammar to transmit meaning.

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200 views

Module 2 Communication Studies Lesson 1

Language serves several important roles and functions. It allows for complex communication between humans, expressing ideas, thoughts and feelings. Language is influenced by culture and varies between different communities and regions. It is a creative human system that combines features like symbols, sound patterns, and grammar to transmit meaning.

Uploaded by

keeon
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Language and Community

Syllabus objective 1: Language, Definition,


Characteristics, Role& Function.
 DEFINITION
 Language: complex form of communication
utilized by humans. (English For Academic
Purposes, UWI.)
Defined according to Veronica Simon and S.
Osborne
-system of communication between humans
(verbal and non-verbal: body language, gesture,
writing.)
-speech that is culturally specific (speech that
belongs to one cultural group eg. The language
of Hindi.
-using verbal elements to convey an idea
-a person’s mode of speech: articulate or
inarticulate expression of thought and feeling by
all living creatures.
Language is cultural.
 Language
(Extended Definition)
A language is a syntactically organized system of signals,
such as voice sounds, intonations or pitch, gestures or
written symbols which communicate thoughts or feelings.
Human spoken and written languages can be described as a
system of symbols) and the grammars (rules) by which the
symbols are manipulated. The word "language" is also
used to refer to common properties of languages.
Language learning is normal in human childhood. Most
human languages use patterns of sound or gesture for
symbols which enable communication with others around
them. There are thousands of human languages, and these
seem to share certain properties, even though many
shared properties have exceptions.

Language combines a wide variety of features, is complex


form of comm.
 Define Language.
 1. Language involves an mutual exchange
-Two parties.
-A sender and receiver, speaker and listener, composer and
audience.
 2. Language is a human tenant.
-There are human and non-human forms of communication BUT
animals can communicate using sound, gesture.
-Humans communicate in different ways (some more complex than
the other.)
 3. Language is creative.
-Expressive and reflective: Express (simple and complex) thoughts,
manipulate language to express thoughts.
-Language is an outlet for feeling, self-expression
-Language facilitates complex communication- intellectual facility.
4. Language is influenced by culture.
-Different countries, communities and cultures have
different languages .
-How things are said is determined by one’s culture eg.
Creole is used in Trinidad and is accepted.

 5. Language is dynamic (changes.)


-Language is variable.
-Dependent on context (personal, social and cultural)
eg. Social-conversation between friends vs
associates.
-Can say an infinite number of things in an infinite
number of ways., send the same message differently.
-Varies from person to person, varies from region to
region, varies in terms of structure.
-Enables change over time.
 6. Language is symbolic and systematic.
-Utilizes set structures (grammar)
-Unique sound systems (phonetics &phonology)
- Semantics (meaning)
- Syntax (order of words)
- Diction, vocabulary.
Language is a science.
It has methodologies, systems and structures.

 7.Language is both instinctive and maturational.


-Language acquisition- language is acquired at a young age
and develops over time (both naturally acquired and
transmitted.)
- Language has a social function. Necessary for self identity
and interaction (relationships.)
 8. Arbitrary

While there are non-human systems of


communication, it is only in HUMAN
LANGUAGE that ALL these characteristics
features are found.
 Many features are emblematic of
communication.
 Language is a particular combination of these
features.
 Eight features\characteristics.
 Language is creative, complex and precise.
 Exercise:
a)Examine the communication systems used by
1. Dogs
2. Birds
3. Dancers
b)Do animals have languages?
c)What are the differences between how
animals communicate and how humans
communicate?
 Solution:
 HUMAN PHENOMENON -If a language is
about communicating with signals, voice,
sounds, gestures, or written symbols, can
animal communications be considered as a
language? Animals do not have a written form
of a language, but use a language to
communicate with each another. In that
sense, an animal communication can be
considered as a separate language.
 -Humans vocalize, respond.
THE FUNCTIONS OR ROLES OF
LANGUAGE.
 A function\ role of an element or entity is
HOW that element\ entity can be USED.
 What can it do?

GENERAL functions of language:


-discuss, argue, explain
-write
-indulge in abstract thought
 The roles and functions of language can be
categorized into six (6) major groups.
1. Poetic\ Creative\ Reflective Function
2. Expressive Function
3. Ritualistic Function
4. Cultural Function
5. Informative Function
 Language has a multiplicity of purposes
1. Expression (Expressive purpose)
 -express ideas, thoughts, feelings, views eg. Creative
writing, diaries.
2. Informational (Informative purpose)
 -covey information, highlight a plight, give data,
evidence, statistics.
3. Poetic\ Creative Purpose.
 -use and manipulate language through the use of
literary devices, stylistics, imagination and creativity
to express a point.
4.Ritualistic\ Social purpose (Phatic purpose)
 -social contact through speaking.
 -is casual, is a social custom and not linked to
meaning or purpose eg. Saying “Good morning”,
texting, e-mail.
5. Cultural purpose.
-Binds members of a particular community.
-Carries tradition and history.

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