View
817
Download
5
Category
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Citation preview
10Using Language
Effectively
Language
The system of words people use to communicate with others
He didn't have to wake upHe'd been up all nightLayin’ there in bed listenin’To his new born baby cryHe makes a pot of coffeeHe splashes water on his faceHis wife gives him a kiss and saysIt gonna be OK
Language Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
When I was young me and my mama had beefSeventeen years old kicked out on the streetsThough back at the time, I never thought I'd see her faceAin't a woman alive that could take my mama's placeSuspended from school; and scared to go home, I was a fool with the big boys, breakin all the rules
Language Basics
Language is arbitrary—different meanings depending on the cultureLanguage is ambiguous—words have multiple meaningsLanguage is abstract— intangible Language is active—full of life
Spoken Versus Written Language
Dynamic versus static Immediate versus distant Informal versus formal Narratives versus facts Rhythm versus image
Audience-Centered Language
Put your language in context Personalize your language Use inclusive language Use visual language Spark imagination with your language
Guidelines for Using Language
Use spoken language Choose meaningful words Balance clarity and ambiguity Be concise Avoid offensive and aggressive language
Recommended