The Verbal Code

Intercultural Communication: Principles and Practice.

FLAN 3440

Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 20

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Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Relationship Between Language & Culture
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:
“Human beings do not live in the objective world alone…but are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of expression for their society.”
Principle 1: Linguistic Determinism
Principle 2: Linguistic Relativity
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Relationship between Language & Culture
Languages reflect Nonverbal elements of culture
Geographic
Climatic
Kinesic
Spatial
Proxemics
Syntactic Features

Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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The Structure of Human Language
Sounds and Symbols
Phonemes
Morphemes
Symbol
Syntax
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The Structure of Human Language
Universality of Language
Language learning is uniform among children within and across cultures
Children across cultures acquire linguistic generalizations that experience alone could not give them
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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© iStockphoto.com/Henk Badenhorst

Universals of Language
Speech sounds emit from their source of origin
Speech is
transmitted via vocal-auditory channel.
transitory
interchangeable
Specialized
reflexive
able to be displaced from time and space
able to be false
Speakers can learn other languages
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Generative Grammar
From a finite set of sounds and a finite set of rules, speakers of any language can create an infinite number of sentences
Syntax can free the mind to create new words and sentences
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Gendering of Language: Are Languages Sexist?
Grammatical Gender Languages
Gender Equality and Language
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Elaborated and Restricted Codes
Language vs. Speech
Language symbolizes what is possible
Speech symbolizes what actually occurs
Restricted Code (options to what speakers can say or do verbally are limited)
Elaborated Code (speakers can choose from among a variety of linguistic options to communicate)
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Direct and Indirect Styles
Direct Style (overt expressions of intention)
Assert self-face needs
Examples: U.S., England, Germany, Israel
Indirect Style (speakers intents are hidden or only hinted at in interaction)
Prevents face threats to either speaker
Examples: Japan and France
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Communication Styles
Elaborate Style
flashy and embellished language
Exacting Style
no more or less than is needed
Succinct Style
concise statements
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Personal and Contextual Styles
Personal
communication that amplifies the individual identity of the speaker
Contextual
communication that accentuates and highlights one’s role identity and status
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Instrumental and Affective Styles
Instrumental
sender based and goal-outcome based.
Affective
receiver based and process oriented.
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Gendered Language Style Across Cultures
Members of a speech community conform to prescribed rules of their specific language
Language used by men and women differs across most cultures
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Gendered Language Style Across Cultures
One’s sex and gender are communicated through language
Teamsterville
Japan
Mandarin Chinese
Hindi
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Language & Ethnic Identity
Group Identity maintained through language.
Status and Hierarchy recognized through language
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Language & Ethnic Identity
Immigrant groups may maintain cultural heritage and identity by using native language
Immigrant groups may discourage use of native tongue to establish themselves legitimate members of new culture
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Language & Ethnic Identity
Dialect
Regional variety or subset of a language distinguished by vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
Ebonics
Chicano English
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American Speech & Language Variety
Standard English
Appalachian English
Cajun English
R-Less Dialects
California English
Texas English
Midwest
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Summary
Human language made up of a system of sounds, syntax and semantics
Sole purpose of language is to communicate
Explored Traditional and Contemporary Linguistic approaches to language
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 7e. © SAGE Publications, 2018.
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Summary
Humans born with a universal grammar
Children acquire language in the same way at about same time
Children able to construct grammatically correct sentences without guidance
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Summary
Language is a guide to social reality
Explored the different cultural styles of language
Direct to Indirect
Personal to Contextual
Instrumental to Affective
Elaborate to Succinct
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