COM 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Literal And Figurative Language, Pragmatics, Phatic Expression
Document Summary
Language- a collection of symbols, letters, or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate. Language consists of words or symbols that represent things without being those things. Decode- the process of assigning meaning to others" words in order to translate them into thoughts of your own. The thoughts expressed by one person never exactly match what is decoded by another. Both writing and speaking rely on the use of language. Language is abstract, intertwined with culture, and organizes and classifies reality. Semantics- the study of the way humans use language to evoke meaning in others. Interested in how language and its meaning change over time. Syntax- the way in which words are arranged to form phrases and sentences. Subject is usually placed before the verb, and the object after the verb. Encode- the process of translating your thoughts into words.
