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˜ Why focus on language?

˜ The nature of language
˜ The power of words
˜ Confronting bias in language
˜ Using Words to establish supportive
relationships
 Why  
˜ Words are powerful
˜ You choose
language

Former Congresswoman from Texas,

the late Barbara Jordan, recognized that
language can be a powerful tool to help
us exert influence and enhance our
relationships. (Beebe & Ivy, 2004, pg. 57)
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˜ r   is a system of symbols

(words or vocabulary) structured by
grammar (rules and standards) and
syntax (patterns in the arrangement of
words) common to a community of
people.
˜ Words dictate and limit the nature of our
reality.
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ym

˜ The m   of a word is how a person
interprets or makes sense of a symbol.
˜ Gy  occurs when the speaker¶s and
the receiver¶s meanings do not correspond.
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˜ The
   level of language
conveys content.
˜ The    level of language
conveys feelings.
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˜ r word is   if we can see it,
touch it, smell it, taste it, or hear it.
˜ If we cannot, the word is 
.
˜ Concrete messages are more clear,
abstract terms or more difficult to
understand or agree upon.
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˜  consists of the rules, norms, and
values of a group of people that have
been learned and shaped from one
generation to the next.
˜ The meaning of words can change from
culture to culture.
   
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˜  ymbols derive their meaning from the
situation in which they are used.
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˜ Words have the power to create and

label experience.
˜ Words have the power to impact
thoughts and actions.
˜ Words have the power to shape and
reflect culture.
˜ Words have the power to make and
break relationships.
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˜ Words that reflect
bias toward other
cultures can create
barriers for listeners.
˜ ‰
 
involves the use of
language that does
not exclude or offend
listeners.
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˜ !  occurs when words reflect
unqualified, often untrue generalizations
that deny individual differences or
variations.
˜ Keep abreast of linguistic changes and
adopt the designations currently
preferred by members of the ethnic
groups themselves.
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˜ #language reveals bias in favor of
one sex against another.
† The use of a masculine term as though it
were generic.
† To avoid sexist language, use either she or
he, he/she, or s/he.
˜ mh
 language reveals
insensitivity or intolerance toward
persons who are gay, lesbian, or
bisexual.
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y
˜ Inventory your language for terms that
are disrespectful to elders or patronizing
to younger persons.
˜ Monitor references to socioeconomic
differences (e.g., blue- and white-collar
workers).
˜ rvoid drawing attention to a person¶s
physical, mental, or learning ability.
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 are

forms of language
that arouse certain
emotions.
˜ Verbal behaviors can
contribute to feelings
of either
supportiveness or
defensiveness.
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˜ åescribe your own feelings rather than evaluate
others
˜  olve problems rather than control others
˜ Be genuine rather than manipulative
˜ Empathize rather than remain detached from
others
˜ Be flexible rather than rigid toward others
˜ Present yourself as equal rather than superior
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† eading?

† Turn in assignment?