COMMUNICATION STUDIES Module 2: Language and Community

Language: Language is an activity which takes place in the brain but manifests itself in sound from the
mouth and nostrils. These sounds are called speech. Language is the general human ability to
understand and express ideas through words.

It is a form of communication peculiar to humans which starts as a mental exercise in the brain. It is
symbolic and must be learnt.

A language-the specific version used by some people who live in the same community. It speaks to any
specific language belonging to a language community.

Characteristics of Language

1. Language is unique to human beings.

2. Verbal-it is spoken
3. Language is symbolic. Symbols are objects that are used to represent other things. For
example, three arrows dovetailing with each other means recycle. Language is symbolic as
words are chosen arbitrarily to represent objects and later these words become accepted.
4. Language is dynamic. It changes constantly; words and meanings vary from one generation to
another.
5. Language is maturational- always developing. New words, new phrases and ways of expressions
are always being introduced.
6. Language is non-instinctive (naturally acquired).

Functions/Purposes of Language

1. Reflective-Language involves thinking; this is perhaps the most important element in the
language process. Human beings can focus their attention deliberately on a specific incident or
event which allows humans to analyse the past and control or adapt to the world in which they
live. Memory is important as humans at times remember some incidents because of words and
through the use of words relive certain occasions.
2. Expressive-Humans experience emotions which may be released through sounds (ouch, oops,
ahh). Sounds or words are self expressions. Another person may express emotional pain in song
or poem or through the use of sophisticated language. Expressive language may be spontaneous
or calculated.
3. Communicative-People communicate ideas, information and thoughts. In its communicative
role, language may be expressed as statements, commands or questions.
4. Ritual-Activities related to births, deaths, weddings and funerals usually have ceremonies which
involve set quotations, expressions and responses prescribed or ordered speech for the occasion
(prayers, pledges).
5. Social-to establish social groups; older folks may gravitate towards each other or isolate
themselves through the use of language.
6. Informative-language is employed with the intention of conveying information to others.
7. Poetic-language used in literary or imaginative ways is poetic

Activity: Identify the function of language in each of the scenarios below:

1. With this ring I thee wed._____________________

2. Don’t just stand there, run! ________________
3. Of the 66 books in the Bible, I like the Psalms best._______________
4. Where can I find the parish library?__________________
5. You are the cream in my coffee.___________________
6. Your marriage is hereby annulled._________________

The Arbitrary Nature of Language-The word ‘arbitrary’ suggests that language is randomly selected.
Words are needed to express thoughts and feelings so based on social conventions particular objects are
given names. We need to express content and language is needed to do so. Arbitrary means it is
representational-symbolic.

Signs-are indicators of something. They are non-arbitrary indicators, meaning that the indicators are
inherently related to the things indicated; there is a direct relationship (smoke-fire; clouds-rain).
Symbols-these are arbitrary indicators of something else; there is no inherent connection/relationship
(flags, traffic lights).

Language Concepts

a. Code switching-the act of a single speaker using two or more language.

b. Pidgin-a simple form of communication drawing on the features of two original languages
(Jamaica’s original languages originated from Africa and Europe).
c. Speech Continuum-refers to a range between the spoken language reflecting different
variations from a low quality to a high variety. Basilect describes the lowest end of the
continuum. Speech here is deep creole usually spoken by rural folks who often have very little
formal education and are sometimes illiterate. Inner city communities also use the basilect.
Mesolect describes the middle of the continuum. This language is a variety closer to Standard
English but still reflects some basilect elements. Many people are comfortable using the
mesolect in the company of others who are critical of the use of Creole. Acrolect is the
uppermost end of the continuum and is viewed as the language of the privileged, the educated
and the rich.
d. Dialect- one of the various forms of a particular language spoken by a group in the language
community. It also refers to a variety of language. The term may describe a variation based on
geographical location or the social status of a group. For example (leisurely/le:zurely;
vase/va:se; tomato/toma:to). In Britain, one would say cheque, coach, purse and chemist while
Americans would say check, bus, pocketbook and drugstore respectively.
e. Dialectal Variation-refers to the spoken and written differences in the use of language within a
speech community.

Basilect,mesolect,acrolect See speech continuum

Profane English Impolite and shocking expressions and obscenities; it also refers to
the use of body parts or using God’s name to swear sacrilegeiously.
Rasta English English words which have taken on new meaning-brethren,
captivity, redemption, wail, dread, sister queen, chalice
Erudite English English which contains features which clearly indicate to the hearer
that the speaker is quite conversant with words, phrases and idioms
especially older ones and foreign ones and those considered
perpetually difficult; exquisite language; high vocabulary
Colloquial English English which is characteristically West Indies without being Creole
English (tinnen;linen)

f. Patois-refers to a French word meaning pidgin; used in Jamaica as the name for the Jamaican
Creole.
g. Creole- is often used interchangeably with the term dialect. Linguists use creole to describe not
only language but ‘new natives’. Persons who migrated from their homeland to settle in Jamaica
or any other country and gave birth to children are referred to as creole.
h. Monolingual-means being able to speak one language.
i. Bilingual-being able to speak two languages with equal fluency.
j. Multilingual-refers to an individual who speaks several languages.
k. Attitudes to language-refers to people’s responses to any register or dialectal variation used to
convey messages. Some attitudes to language may be acceptance, scorn, rejection, ridicule,
shame, praise and embarrassment.
l. Calque (pronounced kalk)-refers to a combination of words in Jamaican creole (nose-‘ole, foot
battam, belli batam, an’-migle)
m. Language Community-this term relates to everyone who speaks a particular language. Everyone
who speaks English makes up a language community etc.
n. Register-the kind of English that is appropriate for a particular situation. It refers to the level of
formality, tone and diction. A register is chosen based on the audience, the theme to be spoken
about and the writer’s/speaker’s attitude towards the content. Language registers may be either
formal, informal, intimate, casual, consultative (see handout on registers).
o. Standard-the dialect used for education and other formal or official situations.
p. Vernacular-the native language of a locality; informal language of the masses/
q. Slang- a type of popular language comprised of words and phrases of a vigorous, colourful or
humorous nature which are invented (phat, tight, sort out, sell off)
r. Jargon-words and phrases used by people in the same profession that are difficult for other
people to understand (technical, scientific or legal jargon)
 s. Communicative Behaviour- this refers to gestures or specific body language that conveys
particular attitudes or feelings. When someone hisses his/her teeth, for example, it often
indicates that he or she is frustrated or upset about something.

Proxemics/Space Using space to communicate( for example, being uncomfortable when

someone sits next to you and moving away or having a large office space)
Objects/Artefacts Clothing, jewelry, automobile, wearing 3 earrings, piercing one’s tongue
Movement Posture, gestures, eye contact, facial expression, waving, smiling, slumping
at your desk
Time/Chronemics Arriving late for an appointment

Activity

Identify the most appropriate register you would use for the following situations:

1. Writing a letter to the nation about their disposal of garbage____________________

2. Offering a vote of thanks to a guest speaker________________
3. Whispering a threat to someone being held very closely_________________
4. Visiting a friend who has broken his leg and is recuperating at
home._________________________