The Nature of Language

1. The Nature of Language Nature of Language Attitudes to Language Functions Elements of Language

2. Uniqueness of human communicationL.L 49-53 In what way is human communication unique??? Human vs. animals • Spontaneous We initiate speech, talk about things that are quite remote from here and now- whereas animals are stimulus bound. • Structure and creativity: Systematical patterning : structures to create meaning Open system: new words and structures are created • Cultural transmission: We learn through the languages around us

3. Attitudes to language Is it ok to break grammatical and language rules when speaking and writing? Or is there always a set way of using language? Youse Brb Yolo Miss! What you up to? Hahaha lol. [1.]Who believes that language is governed by a set of rules which dictate a ‘proper; and ‘correct’ use of language? That if the ‘rules’ are not obeyed, the speaker or writer is wrong? PRESCRIPTIVIST: read definition [2.]Who believes that language varies according to the user, the use and context? That a living language cannot be fixed but will adapt to meet the demands of its users? DESCRIPTIVIST: read definition It is a matter of context, audience and topic matter. If they all correlate than language should be deemed APPROPRIATE [Register]

4. The Nature of Language “Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joy, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity....”- Walt Whitman Before we can understand the functions of language we must understand how language works. There are several characteristics that are common to languages:

5. Languages are spoken: speaking comes first, writing comes afterwards. We speak to interact, to find common ground, ask for help, greet friends, work together etc… All of this requires a common, agreed on system of communication or language. • Languages are arbitrary (subjective) by nature: why is a ‘chair’ called a ‘chair’? We could choose to call it anything. The important thing is that we all agree that this thing we sit on is called a chair. In another language or culture it is interpreted as something else. • Languages are all linear: one element follows another. We must say each word one at a time, each idea one at a time in a logical order.

6. Functions of language (L.L 35-37) The function of language refers to the purpose and essentially the ways in which we use language. Be aware that a text can serve more than one function! The following are ‘general’ functions- be specific in any context give. • Means of conveying information and communication • An instrument of action • Maintaining social relationships, phatic communication • Marker of groups: to include or exclude others • An instrument of cognitive and conceptual development David Crystal, a well known linguist also adds the following to classify language functions: • Emotional expression • Expression of identity • For fun!

7. Exercise: Identify the functions of the following utterances: • And once again the latest horror smash involved that fatal mix of too many people cramming into a car and stupidly hitting insane speeds. • I told you a million times but you still didn’t listen! • Well, I suppose I better get going • G’day, how’s it going? • We all share the responsibility of looking after our environment.

8. And once again the latest horror smash involved that fatal mix of too many people cramming into a car and stupidly hitting insane speeds. Expressing emotions and convey information Through an admonishing and frustrated tone, the writer highlights the dangers of reckless driving • I told you a million times but you still didn’t listen! Expressing emotions- emphasis placed on final word (exclamation) Expressing frustration and annoyance because person B has continued to ignore previous instructions evident in conjunction ‘but’. • Well, I suppose I better get going Phatic communication ‘Well,’ Personal pronoun ‘I’- closing a personal/ friendly conversation • G’day, how’s it going? Maintain or establish relationships: colloquial contracted greeting ‘G’day’ • We all share the responsibility of looking after our environment. Encouragement- inclusive pronoun ‘we’

9. Elements of language: situational factors(handout) Audience: who the language is directed to, the relationship between participants Context: the situation that surrounds it, setting, social and cultural surroundings that influence the language used Expression: the words (lexemes), phrases and sentences used Content: the meanings carried in words, phrases and sentences Function: purpose or intention of communication and language use All of these elements, situational factors, influence the language you use. WHY? We shape our language accordingly. WHY?

10. Who you are communicating to, the situation and why-will determine the APPROPRIATE language to be used MODE: the form in which is most effective to communicate in The appropriate language: social/ cultural meanings associated with the utterances

11. These elements are inextricably linked ……. As a result these elements cannot exist without one another. WHY? You are writing a text response for English, discussing whether Lady Macbeth is evil, “ Yeah nah she wasn’t all bad it was just that she was like really greedy and wanted power because woman of that time didn’t have none…” Discuss the mode, audience, expression and context.

12. Language always serves a function that is supported by the content in the expression. • Linguistic choices are always influenced by situational/ cultural context- the language used is based on the conventional understanding and traditions that shape and reflect our views. • Cultural factors such as values, attitudes and beliefs held by participants and wider community also influence linguistic choices. • Therefore based on the audience and context, language (i.e. expression, content and mode) is modified to ensure that it is APPROPRIATE and serves its function.

13. When looking at language we need to ask ourselves: • What is the function of communication? • What does the expression and content demonstrate about the context and audience? • Are the choices appropriate? • Why structure ideas, images and language that way? i.e. register: Mode, Manner (audience and relationship between speakers and context), Field (word choices, topic area) - What does it tell us about prevailing social and cultural attitudes/ views and values?

14. What kind of text is this? Describe what you see: Function (Purpose): to warn, raise awareness of… Context (surrounding social and cultural situation): the dangers of texting while driving and consequently the rise in causalities Expression (words, phrases, sentences): Text speech, interrogative sentence, present progressive tense –ing: current issue Content (The meanings and associations carried inside): Pun, double entendre: dying plays on the idea of urgency and the fatal consequence of acting on that urgency. Audience: Young drivers

15. Is this text appropriate in this day and age? • Why not? Refer to the elements of language: • Function? • Context? • Audience? Relationship with the reader? • Expression? • Content?

16. Exercise • Give the audience, context and function of the following utterance: I didn’t really like the way you treated me last night • Audience: Most likely the partner in a relationship. Could be female speaking to a male as males typically act irresponsibly “treated”. • Context: Discussion of an event the previous night, personal discussion between the couple “you, me” • Function: Indicates that the speaker is unhappy- expresses emotion Seeks apology from the audience- using nouns ‘you, me’- distinguishes the parties involved

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