English final presentation
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Symbols are Arbitrary and Ambiguous
• Words have different meanings in different cultures
• Meanings of words change over time• What they mean isn’t clear cut• People have different understandings of words
Symbols are Abstract
• Not concrete or tangible• “Cat” is not literally “A Cat”
Meanings Of Language Is Subjective
• Constructing meaning is symbolic• Meanings of words are never absolute
Language Is Rule-Guided
• Being verbal is guided by generally understood rules
• Communication rules: shared understanding of what communication means
• Regulative rules specify when, where and with whom you talk with about certain things.
• Constructive Rules say how to interpret diff. kind of communication
Punctuation shapes meaning
• Helps define when interaction ends and starts• Demand – withdraw Pattern:– One person wants to talk intimately while the
other person avoids it– Causes the demander to feel misunderstood
Symbolic Abilities
• The world is full of meaning and ideas
A Language Defines
• Language Shapes Perception– Labeling will make you overlook other aspects
• Language Can Totalize– Totalize is when we perceive one label is who
someone is• Totaling is defined by a single aspect• Stereotyping are multiple aspects of a group
Language:
• Affects relationships– Pos. or neg. difference
• Language Reflects and Shapes Perception– Things we like: focus on the positive, downplay
flaws and vice versa• Language can be loaded– Strongly influences meanings
Guidelines for Improving Verbal Communication
• Engage in Dual-perspective– Being person-centered to see their
side/perspective– Use both your own and others perspective
• Own your Feelings and Thoughts– Understand that the feeling is yours– Blaming others for your feelings dismisses
personal responses
I language vs You language
• I language takes responsibility, You blames others
• I language is more descriptive• You language is accusatory and abstract• I language provides concrete descriptions of
behaviors we dislike w/o directly placing blame
• I language causes people to not be defensive• You language can be effective when used as
praise• I language is more honest• I language is more empowering
Respect others Feelings
• Effective communicators don’t argue or dispute people’s thoughts and feelings
• Don’t attempt to mind read
Strive for Accuracy and Clarity
• Be aware of Levels of Abstraction– A consciousness of levels of abstraction improves
communication• Abstract language allows us to generalize• Abstract words work when both parties have
concrete knowledge of what is being discussed
• Abstract can lead to misunderstanding when talking about change
Qualify Language
• Assists in clear communication• Qualify generalizations and descriptions• Static Evaluation: assessment that says
something is unchanging or fixed• Indexing: A reminder that our evaluations only
apply during certain circumstances
Language Organizes Perceptions
• The category we put someone in organizes our perception of words
Friend or Enemy
Language Allows Abstract Thought
• Abstract thoughts: Justice, Integrity, Love• Furniture is concrete, the idea of furniture is
abstract
Language can Stereotype
• Abstract can distort thinking– Stereotyping: Generalizing a group– Classifying based on perceptions and overlook
differences (blue collar workers, athletes)• Generalizing creates efficient cognitive thinking– Placing people in categories is a tool for thinking, but
is not objective
Language Allows Hypothetical Thought
• We can think beyond concrete situations– Hypothetical thought uses symbols– Symbolize to remember and reflect on ideas
• We live in 3 dimensions of time– Present is infused with out past and future– Past and future affect our communication
• We can foster personal growth– Hypothetical thinking helps us grow (present: college
future: degree)
Language Allows Self Reflection
• 2 Aspects to the self:– I: Spontaneous, creative self• Acts impulsively from inner needs and desires
– Me: Socially conscious self or the “I moderator”• Me analyzed the I to self reflect
Self Reflection Allows Communication Monitoring and to Manage our Image
• Monitor ourselves and adjust communication to be effective communicators
• We work hard to be perceived in certain ways
Some sort of fucking conclusion I guess
• The end