Language & Communication - L10

What is language in social psychology?

A structured system of symbols used for communication, allowing humans to share meaning, coordinate behaviour and construct social reality.

What are the key features of human language?

• Symbolic

• Rule-governed (grammar/syntax)

• Generative (infinite combinations)

• Displacement (talk about past/future/imaginary)

What is linguistic relativity (Sapir-Whorf hypothesis)?

Language influences how we perceive and think about the world.
Ref: Edward Sapir & Benjamin Lee Whorf

What is linguistic determinism vs linguistic relativity?

• Determinism: language determines thought (strong version)

• Relativity: language influences thought (weak version)

What is linguistic determinism vs linguistic relativity?

• Determinism: language determines thought (strong version)

• Relativity: language influences thought (weak version)

What evidence supports linguistic relativity?

Colour perception, spatial orientation and emotion vocabulary differ across languages.

What is framing?

The way information is presented affects judgments and decisions.

What did the Asian disease problem show?

People prefer risk-averse options when framed as gains and risk-seeking when framed as losses.
Ref: Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky (1981)

What is the power of metaphors in persuasion?

Metaphors shape policy attitudes and problem-solving strategies.

What is Social Identity Theory’s view of language?

Language signals group membership and helps create in-groups and out-groups.

What is Communication Accommodation Theory?

People adjust speech to match or differ from others to manage social identity.

What is convergence vs divergence in speech?

• Convergence: adapting speech to be similar → increase liking

• Divergence: emphasising differences → signal identity

What is the Linguistic Intergroup Bias?

We describe positive in-group behaviour and negative out-group behaviour abstractly, but negative in-group and positive out-group behaviour concretely.

Why does linguistic intergroup bias occur?

Abstract language suggests traits are stable → helps protect in-group image.

What is the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)?

Two routes to persuasion:

• Central route (careful thinking)

• Peripheral route (cues/heuristics)

When is the central route used?

High motivation and ability → longer-lasting attitude change.

When is the peripheral route used?

Low motivation/ability → relies on cues (attractiveness, credibility).

What percentage of communication is nonverbal?

A large proportion of emotional and relational communication is nonverbal.

What are key types of nonverbal communication?

• Facial expressions

• Eye contact

• Gestures

• Posture

• Tone of voice

What did research on facial expressions show?

Basic emotions are universal across cultures.

Are humans good at detecting lies?

No — accuracy is only slightly above chance (~54%).

Why is lie detection difficult?

People rely on incorrect cues (e.g., gaze aversion).

How do gender communication styles differ (general trends)?

• Women: rapport talk (connection)

• Men: report talk (information/status)

Ref: Deborah Tannen