The Nature of Oral Language

1
The Nature of Oral Language
2
Defining Language

• Oral language language that is spoken and heard
  rather than written or read
• Language has rules conventions-you learn them
  by listening and they are directed by culture
• Language is like a code. Each has its own sounds,
  symbols and structure.
• Process of encoding decoding

3
Characteristics of Language

• Meaning-assigned by you, symbolic
• Vocabulary all the word symbols that make up a
  particular language code (standards of
  appropriateness, add interest)
• Structure the way different parts of a language
  are arranged (ex form- - -formal)
• Grammar basic understanding and rules that
  regulate the use of language
• Sound-vital to understanding credibility (Dr.
  Fox Hypothesis)

4
Characteristics of Sound

• Diction degree of clarity and distinctness
• Pronunciation standard set for the overall sound
  of a word
• Articulation act of clearly and distinctly
  uttering the consonant sounds of a word
• Omission (biness, dolla)
• Addition (warsh, Florider)
• Substitution (idnt)
• Slurring (mirrow, liddle)

5
Characteristics of Sound

• Enunciation act of clearly and distinctly
  uttering the vowel sounds of a word
• Result of faulty placement of the mouth, teeth or
  tongue
• Git, jist, inyone

6
Dialect

• Dialect language that exists only in oral form
  or, a unique combination of speech sounds that
  identify speech with a particular group of people
• Code Talkers
• Regional-Southerner vs. New Yorker
• Ethnic/Cultural-also called an accent but can
  also include language mistakes (Spanglish)

7
Personal Implications of Oral Language

• You will have to develop a way of speaking to
  college representatives, bosses, coworkers
• Language defines you as much as your physical
  appearance
• Language conveys your attitude
• Language can determine how successful you are

8
Functions of Oral Language

• Expressing and responding to feelings
• Giving and seeking information
• Controlling and persuading
• Participating in social rituals
• Creating and imagining

9
Language To Avoid

• Sexist
• Racist
• Profane
• Judgmental
• Accusatory
• Assumptive
• Absolute

10
Be Aware of Connotation!

• Connotation Emotions or feelings associated with
  the word
• Ex mutt, nigger, jock

11
Troublesome/Powerless Language

• Fillers Word used to cover up hesitancy (um
  like)
• Tags A statement or question added to the end of
  a statement to invite approval or cooperation
  from others (Dont you think?)