COM 112 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Nonverbal Communication, Toboggan, Kinesics
30 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
A structured system of symbols used for communicating meaning. Words represent objects or ideas but do not constitute them. All meaning behind words is assigned by the users of the language. Key: there is no direct relationship between words and things. Portrays three necessary elements for identifying the meaning in language. Descriptive: toboggan is a type of hat in certain parts of the country(slang) Denotative/connotative meanings, loaded languages ( terms that carry strong positive or negative connotations) F. language is bound by context and culture. Rules that experts believe speakers ought to use. Most of these rules are formalized/written down. Prescriptively, we are taught not to use it. Example: adding emphasis: absolutely versus absofuckinglutely (this is descriptive, there is no rule, we just know this. ) How we pronounce words, how sounds may/may not go together. Way users of language assign meaning to a word (symbols to things) Structure, way symbols are arranged (symbols, to symbols)
