Language Phatic communication- (Bronislaw Malinowski, 1884-1942)

- the method of human communication, either spoken or the social function of language arising out of the basic
written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and need to signal friendship – or at least, lack of enmity
conventional way.
- the system of communication used by a particular Language and Geographical Identity
community or country. (Oxford Dictionary)
- Linguistic identity that points to the geographical origins of
the speaker
Culture
- People belong to regional communities of varying extent,
- derives from a French term, which in turn derives from
and the language or dialect they speak changes its name
the Latin "colere," which means “to tend to the earth and
as we ‘place’ them in relation to these communities.
grow, or cultivation and nurture”
- a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs,
values, and symbols that they accept, generally without Dialect - a variation of a standard language spoken by a group
thinking about them, and that are passed along by of people. Sometimes people who live in the same place share
communication and imitation from one generation to the a dialect.
next (http://people.tamu.edu/~i-choudhury/culture.html)
- the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a There is no absolute difference between a dialect and
racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic
a language. British English and American English are dialects of
features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way
English. They differ slightly in spelling, in pronunciation, and
of life) shared by people in a place or time
- the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices in vocabulary. However, they are "mutually intelligible", which
that characterizes an institution or organization means people who speak either dialect can understand the
- the set of values, conventions, or social practices other.
associated with a particular field, activity, or societal
characteristic (Merriam Webster) Mutual Intelligibility
- a relationship between languages or dialects in which
Society
speakers of different but related varieties can readily
- a group of individuals involved in persistent social
interaction, or a large social group sharing the same understand each other without prior familiarity or special
geographical or social territory, typically subject to the effort. It is sometimes used as an important criterion for
same political authority and dominant cultural distinguishing languages from dialects,
expectations. Societies are characterized by patterns of although sociolinguistic factors are often also used.
relationships (social relations) between individuals who Examples of dialectal variation:
share a distinctive culture and institutions English:
British English – go on a holiday vs.
Functions of Language
American English – go on a vacation
1. Emotional expression – emotive or expressive function; Bikolano:
linguistic expressions and interjections Haloy ka duman sa saodan? (Standard Coastal Bikol, a
- Swearing or cursing in an angry or frustrated state dialect of Central Bikol; Canaman, Camarines Sur)
- Expression of awe or wonder upon seeing something Aloy ka duman sa saodan? (Magarao, a variety of Coastal
beautiful or breath-taking Bikol; Magarao, Camarines Sur)
2. Power of sound - Control and Ceremony Huray ka doon sa saodan? (Northern Catanduanes
Repetitive rhythm/Phonetic character of children’s rhymes Bicolano or Pandan Bikol; Pandan, Catanduanes)
and games help maintain control of the game Naawat ka duman sa saod? (Southern Catanduanes
Sounds of the language has an effect on the users or Bikol or Virac Bikol, a dialect of Coastal Bikol; Virac,
listeners – rhythmical litanies, chants, songs Catanduanes)
3. Control of Reality – All forms of supernatural belief involve
the use of language as a means of controlling the forces Dialectology
which the believers feel affect their lives. (prayers, - systematic study of regional dialects
incantations, curses) - dialects are major source of information about
-to control matter or the reality which the matter is contemporary popular culture and its historical
supposed to represent background
Ex. Trobriand Islander - Gardening ritual – series of - development of dialect awareness to show the
formulae which “charm” the axes to be effective tools heterogeneity of contemporary society and our place
Roman Catholic Priests – “This is my body…” identifying within it
the moment when the communion bread is changed into - seeks to create awareness and understanding of the
the body of Christ. history, structure and function of present-day dialects
4. Recording the facts – stores information for future use;
unlike daily conversation, it is of a greater degree of Language and Ethnic or National Identity
organization, impersonality and explicitness. (e.g.
historical records, geographical surveys, business Ethnic Identity
accounts, scientific reports etc.) - allegiance to a group with which one has ancestral links
5. Instrument of thought – ‘mental act’ accompanied by
verbal commentary National Identity
-Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) – argued for a concept of - sense of belonging to a state or nation which requires the
‘inner speech’, a mental use of words to evoke a sequence presence of a number of symbols of various kinds, which
of thoughts. people can identify with
“We only know just what we meant to say after we have
said it.” – Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) Language
6. Expression of personal identity – signals ‘who we are’ or - is an evident feature of community life
‘where we belong’, e.g. political party, gender orientation, - choosing and using a language over another provides an
class immediate badge of identity (ethnic and national identity)
7. Social Interaction – maintaining comfortable relationship - may also act as a natural barrier between cultural groups
and rapport between people