Nature of Language

Language is made up of symbols that humans use to communicate with each other. The
symbols of language can be spoken or written, and some are communicated in movements as in
sign language.

Specific Rules use within a language:

o Symbols – are used to communicate ideas people hold and to share what they think.
Since, we cannot communicate telepathically, the sharing symbols is the only way some
of our deepest, most complex, thoughts can be shared with others. Some symbols are
concrete and tangible; they seem to align directly to an object or being. For instance,
words like “flower”, “cat”, and “clock”, all have fairly specific definitions. However, the
generic definitions of these terms may not be specific enough to clearly communicate
one’s thoughts to another.

3 categories of Rules of Language – guides us both the use and meaning of symbols:

1. Semantic Rules – govern the meaning of words. It dictates how words in a language are
defined. Meaning of words categorized into two areas: denotative meaning and
connotative meaning.
 Denotative meaning – is a literal meaning of a word. Commonly called
“dictionary meaning” because people can up a formal meaning of a word in a
dictionary.
 Connotative meaning – is the personal meaning of a word. It based on person’s
experience of a word. It is commonly accompanied by emotions.
2. Phonological Rules – based on how words are said. It dictates how words should sound
when spoken. Although, some words sound similar when spoken, similar words can have
very different meaning.
3. Pragmatic Rules – direct people on how to use a language when interacting with others. It
governs how words should be used during communication based on the context.
Sometimes the words used are clearly understood by others, but take on additional
meaning based on where or to whom they are said.
 It is important to note that semantic, phonological, and pragmatic rules can change from
language to language.

Other factors in Language use:

o Meaning of words are in individual people, not in words.

o Language is powerful. Using words can ignite anger, bring about joy, lead to happiness,
elicit sorrow, and a whole variety of other feelings within people.
o Language can shape how people view a situation (as either positive or negative). The
words we use to describe people, places, and incidents influence perceptions of these
things.
o Words can be aligned with feminine or masculine behavior. Sometimes words are
reserved for describing people who are biologically male or female and their behaviors.
o People judged each other on how they use language.

LANGUAGE USE IS COMPLICATED!