PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION ➤ SPOKEN LANGUAGE uses filler words or “fill ups”.

CHAPTER 3 ⟶ Fill-ups are words without any significant meaning or used to fill
silence when you are speaking; like totally, you know, uh, uhm, as
L1: DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION well, and all, so to say.
⟶ include face-to-face, telephone communication, dictating letters,
VARIETY OF LANGUAGE- a specific set of “linguistic items” or group discussions, meetings, speech, and virtual conferencing.
“human speech patterns” which can be associated with external ➤ WRITTEN COMMUNICATION includes reports, memo, email, fax
factors such as a geographical area or social group. messages, business correspondence, illustrations, notices, etc.

REGISTER OF LANGUAGE- a variety of a language used for a L3: VARIETIES OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE
particular purpose in a particular setting. This is the level of usage as
determined by degree of formality, and your choice of vocabulary, ➤ INTERACTIONAL- having a social function. This makes use of
pronunciation, and syntax according to the communicative purpose, informal speech which aims to develop relationships between
social context and standing of the user. interlocutors.
⟶ exchange of personal information and use familiar expressions.
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY- the awareness that people have ⟶ the aim is to develop relationships
varying cultures and that the similarities and differences of these ⟶ INFORMAL
cultures affect the value, behavior and learning of people. This is an ➤ REFERENTIAL- providing the listener some information referring
attitude and way of behaving in which you are aware and to objects or abstract concepts. The speaker assumes that the listener
acknowledge cultural differences. has knowledge on the matter at hand. In return, the listener has to
know the context before they can understand the references.
➤ For Barry Tomalin, culture is the fifth language skill and it has ➤ EXPRESSIVE- showing the speaker’s judgments or feelings about
something to do with cultural competence. a person, event, or situation.
➤ TRANSACTIONAL- getting information or making a deal. It has a
L2: SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE: DIFFERENCES AND specific purpose and is driven by needs and wants rather than
FORM sociability.
⟶ transactional spoken language has its intention to achieve a
give-and-take relationship between the speaker and the listener.
➤ PHATIC- Engaging in small, plain talk. The speaker and listener
use a minimal amount of language to engage in the conversation.
This spoken language variety poses familiarity of topic and context
between the speaker and the listener.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPOKEN & WRITTEN LANGUAGE 3. Use language that includes LGBTQIA+ people. Some people are
bisexual, transgender, asexual, genderfluid, etc. and they deserve
➤ COLLOQUIAL– It is a lively spoken character. It is often limited to respect and inclusion. Work on substituting gender-neutral language
a definite language community to include people of different sexual orientation and gender identities.
or confined to a special locality where it circulates. Respect gender identities.
➤ NEUTRAL– It is universal. It is unrestricted in use, the most stable
of vocabulary, and can be 4. Avoid exclusionary, gender-specific language. Gender-specific
employed in all aspects. language can be extremely harmful. Sexism, or discrimination
➤ LITERARY– it is bookish in character. against a person due to their marginalized gender identity, is used
often and inadvertently. Use gender-neutral job titles when you are not
L4: CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE, ENGAGING & APPROPRIATE referring to a specific person.
LANGUAGE
5. Avoid using explicitly religious terms in mixed religious
CULTURAL APPROPRIATENESS OF LANGUAGE- language is company. Limit the amount of religious terms in your language,
conforming to a culture’s acceptable expressions and standards of especially when speaking in groups of people. Avoid Referencing
behavior and thoughts. “God/god”. Every religious group has different names for and rules of
⟶ This is referred to as “political correctness”. saying the term.

POLITICALLY CORRECT- is not about being right; it is more of being 6. Avoid expressions that devalue people with physical or mental
respectful and considerate. Being politically correct means that you disabilities. Some people prefer identity-first language (“disabled
avoid expressions and actions that may exclude, marginalize, or person”) while others prefer person-first language (“person with a
offend a particular group of people. disability”). Words such as “dumb”, “crippled”, “derp”, and “psycho” are
examples of disability-based insults. Use person-first language for
WAYS ON HOW TO CHOOSE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE most disabilities, such as “person with Down Syndrome” rather than
“Down Syndrome person”.
1. Notice and reflect on disrespectful language, thoughts, and
actions. If you educate yourself and monitor your thoughts, this will 7. Refrain from language that groups people into one large
help control and change your language and behaviors. People may category. As much as possible, avoid classifying people together
interpret and draw inferences from the language you use. When you based on religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnicity. This kind
are interacting with people, you want to be an open, respectful, and of language reduces a person to that one category, when people are
informed individual instead of a careless, disrespectful person. so much more.

2. Respect people of different races. Recognize racist roots of

words, whether they are as inflammatory as the n-word or as subtle
as referring to immigrants as illegals.
POLITICAL CORRECTNESS- it promotes equality by demonstrating
an understanding that all people and groups are valuable to society
regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

POLITICALLY CORRECT TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS