The Nature of Oral
Language
Defining Language
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Oral language: language that is spoken and
heard rather than written or read
Language has rules & conventions-you learn
them by listening and they are directed by
culture
Language is like a code. Each has its own
sounds, symbols and structure.
Process of encoding & decoding
Characteristics of Language
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Meaning-assigned by you, symbolic
Vocabulary: all the word symbols that make up a
particular language code (standards of
appropriateness, add interest)
Structure: the way different parts of a language are
arranged (ex: form- - -formal)
Grammar: basic understanding and rules that regulate
the use of language
Sound-vital to understanding & credibility (Dr. Fox
Hypothesis)
Characteristics of Sound
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Diction: degree of clarity and distinctness
Pronunciation: standard set for the overall
sound of a word
Articulation: act of clearly and distinctly
uttering the consonant sounds of a word
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Omission (bi’ness, dolla’)
Addition (warsh, Florider)
Substitution (idn’t)
Slurring (mirrow, liddle)
Characteristics of Sound
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Enunciation: act of clearly and distinctly
uttering the vowel sounds of a word
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Result of faulty placement of the mouth, teeth or
tongue
Git, jist, inyone
Dialect
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Dialect: language that exists only in oral form
or, a unique combination of speech sounds that
identify speech with a particular group of
people
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“Code Talkers”
Regional-Southerner vs. New Yorker
Ethnic/Cultural-also called an accent but can also
include language mistakes (Spanglish)
Personal Implications of Oral
Language
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You will have to develop a way of speaking to
college representatives, bosses, coworkers
Language defines you as much as your
physical appearance
Language conveys your attitude
Language can determine how successful you
are
Functions of Oral Language
Expressing and responding to
feelings
 Giving and seeking information
 Controlling and persuading
 Participating in social rituals
 Creating and imagining
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Language To Avoid
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Sexist
Racist
Profane
Judgmental
Accusatory
Assumptive
Absolute
Be Aware of Connotation!
Connotation: Emotions or feelings
associated with the word
 Ex: mutt, nigger, jock
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Troublesome/Powerless Language
Fillers: Word used to cover up
hesitancy (“um” “like”)
 Tags: A statement or question added
to the end of a statement to invite
approval or cooperation from others
(Don’t you think?)
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