Language, Speech, and Discourse

A) The connections between language and culture are very important. First of all language is one of the big influences on culture. Many things that make up a certain culture are learned through language, whether it be vocal or not. Languages is part of the process in which culture is passed on through generations. Also, language is a huge part of culture because most cultures speak different languages. Not only is the language different though, but phrases, words, voice fluctuations, saying a word with the stress of a letter in a different way or place, and much more. Really the connection is so important. It has been studied for many years, how language was different years and years ago. How language began, and how much it has influenced our culture and world today.

B and C) In the course material, i thought that the Speech Act Theory was the most interesting approaches. The speech act says that, "when we say something, we are actually doing something."(course materials, speech act) When we are saying something, we are doing more than just talking. We are making expectations and relationships. What is said in a certain circumstance can change the way that things happen, or the outcome of the event. For example, if some one is trying to rent or buy a house and everything is undetermined so far, they are not sure if they are going to be able to get the house maybe because someone else is also interested, but then when the owner/landlord of the house says that you got it and the home is now yours, or yours to rent, it is not just saying it. It changes things and now those people own the home or are going to live in it. I think that that example works for the speech act. I really liked the example from someone else in this class about being on trail. When you are int he courtroom you are not guilty or innocent, but the moment the judge says "guilty" or "innocent" it changes everything. That person is either going to jail or going home happy.

D) I choose the Speech Act. I believe that it is really interesting, and such a valuable and common thing in every day life. I have never heard of the speech act before taking this class but now realize that it is used so much in everyday life. Like in my last example i when a judge "issues the command" that a person is guilty, or innocent, it changes the circumstances and relationships within just a sentence. The person is now either going home or going to jail(if the crime is big enough). Or on not such a serious note if a owner of a house says to you, that the house is now yours, it is not just a simple sentence. He just changed what will be happening in the future, he changed the expectation with his simple utterance. The speech act relates to me very closely. I am gymnastics coach for preschoolers up to competitive team gymnastics. Now when i am talking to my preschoolers i have to be really nice and use a "uppity" happy voice and explain things very quickly for them to understand and stay focused on what we are learning and doing in class. So i have to change the tone of my voice in order for them to listen, and get things done. On the other hand, when i am coaching the team girls (ages 9 to 16) i have to be very firm and yell at them a lot more. I have to be much meaner to them in order for them to go for certain skills, or get things done. They don't respond well unless i raise my voice and tell them repeatedly. It is amazing that even though it is the same sport coaching is so different with the different ages and levels. I think that language is such an important thing in our culture ans life today, an i think that it is amazing that things explained in the Speech act theory are as they are. It is amazing how much power language really has.

E) On this section i really thought that Professor Archer's notes really helped me out them most. They made it easier for me to understand and easy to compare the to different topics, the SWH and the speech act theory.