PURC 111: Language Varieties, Multimodal Texts, and Technology-Based Communication Tools

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering language varieties, multimodal text semiotic modes, and technology-based communication tools from PURC 111.

Language

A method of human communication, either spoken or written, which consists of a set of sounds or written symbols.

Language Varieties

A specific set of linguistic items or human speech patterns associated with an external factor such as a geographical area or social group.

Speech Variety

The way language changes based on domain (a social situation or role relationship).

Domain

A class of situation (such as home, school, or work) where certain speech varieties are appropriate.

Pidgin

A simplified language with no native speakers that develops when speakers of different languages need to communicate but do not share a common language.

Lexifier

The language from which the vocabulary of a pidgin primarily originates.

Creole

A distinct language that arises when a simplified pidgin becomes the native and primary language (mother tongue) of the next generation, developing its own grammatical rules and a full range of functions (from the Latin word creare, meaning 'to beget' or 'create').

Regional Dialect

The language variety spoken in a particular geographic area of a country (e.g., Bikol, Kapampangan, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and Waray in the Philippines).

Minority Dialect

The language of members of a particular minority ethnic group (such as LUMAD).

New English (Indigenized Variety)

Varieties of English spoken mainly as second languages in ex-colonies with multilingual populations (e.g., Singlish, Indian English, and Nigerian English).

Multimodal

A dynamic combination of two or more communication modes within the same text, where all modes are attended to as part of meaning-making.

Multimodal Text

A text combining two or more semiotic systems (such as a picture book, webpage, or live performance) delivered via media such as paper, digital, live, and transmedia.

Written or Linguistic Meaning

A semiotic system (New London Group, 1996) for spoken and written language conveyed through vocabulary, generic structure, and grammar.

Audio Meaning

A semiotic system (New London Group, 1996) for music, sound effects, noises, ambient noise, and silence conveyed through volume, pitch, and rhythm.

Visual Meaning

A semiotic system (New London Group, 1996) for still and moving images conveyed through color, saliency, page layouts, vectors, viewpoint, screen formats, visual symbols, shot framing, subject distance, and subject movement.

Gestural Meaning

A semiotic system (New London Group, 1996) conveyed through movement of the body, hands, and eyes, facial expressions, demeanor, and body languages.

Spatial Meaning

A semiotic system (New London Group, 1996) for environmental and architectural spaces conveyed through proximity, directions, layout, and the position and organization of objects in space.

Technology-Based Communication Tools

Communication systems integrated with technology, described as the backbone of social interaction.

E-Mail

A standard form of business communication defined by Merriam-Webster as a means for transmitting messages electronically.

Texting

An electronic message sent over a cellular network from one cell phone to another by typing words (Dictionary.com), considered the most personal form of business communication.

Instant Messaging

A system defined by Merriam Webster for sending messages quickly over the internet from one computer to another computer.

Social Networking

The use of internet-based social media programs to make connections with friends, family, classmates, customers, or clients (investopedia.com).

Tweeting

The act of sending welcomed messages to connected individuals via social media (urbandictionary.com) by broadcasting very short messages called 'tweets'.

Blogging

Short for web blog; a platform often written by amateurs and utilized for business promotion through product and service reviews.

Video Conferencing

A face-to-face meeting with users in different locations (investopedia.com) that helps reduce travel expenses.