Language is ambiguousNot an all or nothing concept

InterpretationContextSo why do meanings of words even matter?

Examples of meaning matteringMurder vs. manslaughterFull vs. longer school dayVanity sizing“If it looks like a duck…”

Language and TranslationTranslation is inevitableWhat are the three main problems with translating from one language to another?

What examples can you think of or find?

Language and Translation, cont’d.Context

Meaning dependent on context

Can’t know “large” without “small”

Can’t know “chat” without “talk,” “gossip,” and “discuss.”

Language and Translation, cont’d.Untranslatable

WaldeinsamkeitCulaccinoMångataÜgyeskedöCan you add to this list?

Language and Translation, cont’d.Idioms

A lightbulb went off in my head!

The cat’s out of the bag.Kutyábol nem lesz szalonna.(you can’t expect something good from a bad person)

Language isn’t just about meaning.How does language affects us otherwise?

Language as a labelling systemBoth advantages and disadvantagesAdvantage—efficient and economical (e.g. animals in a zoo)

Disadvantage—mislabelling can occur (“Sure, those berries are safe.”)

What are advantages and disadvantages of classifying peope according to their nationality?

Language allows us to…CategorizeGeneralizeStereotype

From labels to stereotypesWhat typically differentiates a stereotype from a generalization?

What stereotypes can you think of?

Sapir-WhorfLanguage determines our experience with reality

Our sight and thought is limited because of language

Sapir-Whorf supportersLook at the experiment with the Japanese women (p. 69/70)

How Language Shapes Thought article

Sapir-Whorf criticsIt is possible to think without

language (babies can do simple arithmetic)

Some (e.g. Einstein) say language plays a secondary role in thinking

We can’t express a feeling in wordsHow do we get new words if

language determines thought? (chicken and egg conundrum)

So maybe language influences rather than determines thought

Language of persuasion and influenceEmotionally laden language is dependent on connotations

e.g freedom fighter v. rebel/terrorist

Euphemisms, e.g. rest room v. toilet

Language of persuasion and influenceWeasel words allow an “out”p. 74Weasel stats exist, too; Product x has been shown to be effective 9 out of 10 times

Language of persuasion and influenceGrammar allows us to phrase things actively or passively.

Language can be used to reveal or conceal

Political correctness tries to iron out some of the thornier aspects of language, but at times can go too far

Knowing what you know now…“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Agree or disagree? Provide examples