Chapter ten discusses that language
is arbitrary; it is ambiguous, abstract and active. I looked at it as the four
A’s of language. By stating that language is arbitrary it means that we
associate certain words with certain objects. Language is abstract therefore certain
words can hold more than one meaning. A word can have a denotative meaning or a
connotative meaning. The denotative meaning refers to in short, the definition
of the word literally. The connotative meaning is a meaning given to a word
based on one’s own experiences. Language is also abstract, meaning that words
are. Words have various levels of abstractedness based on how specific they
are. Lastly language is active. Language is not a sent concept, there are many
different words being developed daily. Apart from the new words being
developed, new meanings for already existing words are also being associated to
those words. Goals can be accomplished through the use of words, as well.
I like the way that you put these concept into perspective. The four A's is an interesting way to interpret the reading. I think that relating certain words to certain language is probably the most important A which is arbitrary because it is so easy to take words or concept out of context and if that happens the whole meaning of what one is saying can get twisted. I like that you addressed this topic of what language is because sometimes we just talk without thinking how much our language reflects and affects others. I will have to remember to use my language the correct way and put more emphasis when writing my speeches on how to actually use language based on what it is.
ReplyDeleteLanguage definitely is active. But it makes sense that it is made up of these other things as well. Language is always changing. Not only are new words being made, but the meanings of words are changing too. Words are constantly getting new meanings, especially as we learn more about the world around us. It is also true that we associate certain words with different experiences. Basically, our experiences affect our language. It is amazing to me that there are so many different influences on language. Language is constantly evolving and changing, and it can be hard to keep up, especially the older generations.
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