Introduction

  • Course Title: Language & Communication & Society (LCS 111)
  • Linguistics Department, First floor, Old Arts Block

Lecturer's Contact Information

  • Dr. Mooniq Shaikjee
    • Room: L132, Linguistics, Old Arts Block
    • Email: mshaikjee@uwc.ac.za
  • Mr. Jason Richardson
    • Room: L49, CMDR, Old Arts Block
    • Email: jrichardson@uwc.ac.za
  • Ms. Kãmilah Kalidheen
    • Room: Rm128, Linguistics, Old Arts Block
    • Email: kkalidheen@uwc.ac.za
  • Consultation Times:
    • [To be added by the instructor]

Required Textbooks

  • Bock, Z & Mheta, G. (eds). Language, Society & Communication: An Introduction. 2019. Pretoria: Van Schaik. (Second Edition)
  • Alternative: Bock, Z & Mheta, G. (eds). Language, Society & Communication: An Introduction. 2014. Pretoria: Van Schaik. (First Edition)

Part 1: Language as Communication

Lecture 2: Communication in Context

  • Aims:
    • Understand the relationship between communication and context
    • Define physical, social, and cultural contexts
  • Relevant Pages in Textbook:
    • First & Second Edition: 1 – 14

Understanding Communication

  • Three Key Aspects of Communication:
    • Message Sending: When a person sends a message to another person
    • Message Reception: When the second person receives the message
    • Message Interpretation: When the receiver understands and interprets the message
  • Essential Knowledge for Effective Communication:
    • Understanding linguistic and social aspects

Language Knowledge

Types of Language Knowledge (According to Dell Hymes, 1972)

  • Linguistic Competence:
    • Knowledge of language sounds, structures, and rules
    • Examples:
    • Phonetics: Pronunciation of sounds (e.g., clicks in IsiXhosa)
    • Phonology: Sound variations in context (e.g., plural forms)
    • Morphology: Word formation (e.g., suffixes and prefixes)
      • Past tense in English with “-ed”
      • Negation in English with “un-”
    • Syntax: Sentence structure and its impact on meaning
      • Example: Changing word order in questions
  • Communicative Competence:
    • Knowledge of language usage appropriate to social contexts
    • Examples:
    • Formal address in Afrikaans (“U” vs. “jy”)
    • Understanding social norms of discourse (turn-taking)
    • Rule-breaking for effect (e.g., swearing)

Context in Communication

Definition of Context

  • General Definition: Context refers to the situation surrounding communication
  • Questions to Define Context:
    • Who sent the message?
    • What is the message?
    • To whom is it sent?
    • Why is it sent?
    • When and where did the communication occur?
    • What are the mode and style?
    • What rules or norms govern this interaction?

Types of Context

  1. Physical Context:
    • Immediate environment (e.g., lecture room)
    • Time and day of communication
    • Environmental conditions (e.g., noise)
    • Specific details (e.g., seating arrangement)
  2. Social Context:
    • Participants involved (e.g., friends, peers)
    • Nature of the relationships (e.g., casual, formal)
    • Shared knowledge and background
    • Display of feelings and attitudes
  3. Cultural Context:
    • Broader societal norms and conventions
    • Accepted ways of communication and interaction
    • Power dynamics in communication (who speaks, terms of address)

Exercise: Analyzing WhatsApp Communication

  • Explore cultural context regarding WhatsApp:
    • Norms and beliefs governing communication
    • Rules subconsciously followed
    • Types of permissible interaction (voicenotes, videocalls, emojis)
    • Visibility and presence on social platforms

Upcoming Exercise

  • Task: Read a recent cell phone message and analyze its context based on outlined questions

Reading for Lecture 3

  • Textbook Pages: 14 - 18 (Both Editions)
  • Optional: Extra pages 6-7 (2nd Edition)