Words have the power to create and reflect a culture. Two Words: Star Trek StarTrek Star Trek? This is Star Trek... This is Star Trek?!?!? Words have the power to create and reflect a culture. What is language? A collection of symbols governed by rules that are used to convey messages between individuals. Denotations Vs. Connotations Denotations: Meaning is objective, concrete, literal. Connotations: Meaning is subjective/emotional. What is the utility of language? Language shapes perceptions, and perceptions shape behavior. Language= Smoke em out of their caves Perception= Bush is Tough/Strong. Behavior= Vote for Bush on !!!! Why study language? Whoever assigns names to objects in a culture has the power to influence what the culture finds important. CBS Sports Patriots are football gods. ESPN Tom Brady is the greatest ever! Culture Obviously the New England Patriots are the greatest sports team ever and will win the Super Bowl. How does gender influence language? Women tend to: use language to connect and relate talk about who they are with use indirect language ask more questions How does gender influence communication? Men tend to: use language to create status talk to get things done talk about what they do use more direct language interrupt others for control How can language skills be improved? 1)Avoid intentional confusion Avoid Empty language (metatalk) Avoid Ambiguities Avoid Clichs Avoid Euphemisms How can language skills be improved? 2) Use descriptiveness (describe behavior instead of offering judgments) Check Perceptions Paraphrase Use Operational Definitions Define Your Terms How can language skills be improved? 2) Be Concrete (use specific statements) Dating (chronological reference) Indexing (topical reference) How can language skills be improved? 4) Differentiate between Observations and Inferences Observe- describe what is sensed Infer- conclude based on observations How can language skills be improved? 3) Demonstrate Cultural Competence Respond to people of all backgrounds in a way that values their worth and dignity. Words have the power to create and reflect a culture.