day two

Concerns in Language Use and Conventions

  • Context of Communication

    • Different forms of speech based on audience

    • Example: How one speaks to a boss versus close friends

    • Key concepts:

    1. Audience

    2. Professionalism

    • Language conventions change based on interpersonal relationships

    • The example of speaking differently to a boss than to a friend

  • Understanding Register

    • Definition of register: level of formality in language use that is chosen based on context and audience

    • Importance of register in communication

    • Factors influencing register:

    1. Professionalism

    2. Tone

    3. Respectfulness

    4. Formality

  • Professionalism in Language

    • Ways to characterize professionalism:

    • Behaviors appropriate in a workplace setting

    • Vocabulary must be appropriate and elevated compared to casual conversations

    • Importance of word choice to convey a professional image:

    • Avoid using casual language or slang when addressing superiors

  • Tonal Qualities

    • Definition of a neutral tone:

    • Lack of emotional or overly expressive language

    • Use of formal English:

    • Generally seen as more complicated language

    • Might appear more "impressive" in professional settings

  • Formality and Language Judgments

    • Considerations and perceptions of formality:

    • Effect on interpersonal relationships

    • Perceptions of social class

    • Assignment of value judgments to types of language usage

  • Expression and Openness

    • Concerns with emotional expressiveness:

    • Avoid excessive emotional language in professional contexts

    • The need for caution in language to maintain professionalism and neutrality

  • Vocabulary Choices

    • Shift from casual language to professional vocabulary

    • Disallowance of slang

    • Introduction of jargon relevant to specific fields

    • Jargon defined: specialized language used within a particular profession

      • Example: Educators use acronyms specific to their field

  • Hyperbolic Vocabulary

    • Avoidance of over-complicated words (e.g., "hippopotomonstrosesquipedalian")

    • The importance of clarity over complexity in workplace communication

Social Interaction and Language Learning

  • Learning Language Appropriately

    • Social interaction informs language choices and appropriateness

    • Process of refining language through audience feedback

    • Distinction of language acquisition from the comprehension of register in social settings

  • Subdiscipline of Pragmatics

    • Focus on how language is used in specific contexts

    • Relation to the previously discussed concept of register

Professional Behavior in Speech

  • Workplace Behaviors Positively Impacted by Language

    • Usage of proper titles and forms of address

    • Example: Using "Doctor" to refer to a superior

    • Volume and delivery of speech:

    • How speech differs in professionalism, e.g., low or high volume

  • Conciseness in Communication

    • Necessity of being concise in professional settings

    • Minimizing filler words and rambling in communication

  • Cultural Variation in Language Use

    • Examples from personal experiences and reflections regarding changing language in various contexts

    • Discussion of informal versus formal language

Evolving Nature of Language and Societal Context

  • Language Amelioration and Pejoration

    • Definitions:

    • Amelioration: the process of making a term more positive

    • Pejoration: the process by which a term becomes negative over time

    • Language shifts within professional and societal contexts

  • Context Sensitivity

    • Examples of how context dictates what language is appropriate

    • Discussion of workplace jargon, terms of address, and expectations

  • **Conclusion