What+do+words+mean?

=__What do words mean? The Problems of Language__= = = =**If language is an indispensable tool for communication and a means of knowing, what if any, are the problems with language. We have already looked at value and connotation adding more power to our words, but can this and other problems get in the way of communication and knowing?**=


 * What is the difference between a freedom fighter and a terrorist?**

=__ **Are words too ‘vague’?** __= Consider the following statements. These are statements of simple facts, are they not?


 * John lives close to his school. How near does he live? Between__ four __and __ four __
 * Mr. Smith is middle-aged. How old is he? Between__ four __and__ four __
 * Steve’s mother earns a lot of money. How much does she earn per year? Between__ four __and__ four __

Does every language have words like ‘close’, ‘middle-aged’ and ‘a lot’? What problems does this cause?

=__ **What is ‘ambiguity’?** __=


 * “They saw Mrs. Jones and the dog sitting under the table” Who or what was under the table?
 * “Bib tickled the man with the feather duster.” Who had the feather duster?
 * “I didn’t sleep with my spouse before we were married. Did you?” What exactly is being asked here?

Now translate the above three sentences into another language you know. Do you still have the same problem? Why? Why not?

In the following sentences, analyse the different ways in which the bold words are used.
 * Speeding is against the **law.**
 * Things fall according to the **law** of gravity.
 * It's an unwritten **law** that to get big business deals you need to bribe officials.
 * If you persistently speed, the **law** of averages says that sooner or, later you'll be caught.
 * The **laws** of grammar dictate that you should not split infinitives.
 * It is the **truth** that a triangle has three sides.
 * 'There is ice at the North Pole' is the **truth**.
 * There is real **truth** in that painting.
 * 'Ain't that the **truth**!'

=__ **The connotation of words and associated 'values' can also mean more than the dictionary definition.** __=

All of the words in each of the following groups have similar meanings. What’s the difference?
 * slender
 * skinny
 * thin


 * stench
 * smell
 * fragrance

Now think of as many words in another language that you know for these categories. Are there direct translations? What problems could this lead to?

=__ **Metaphors and Irony** __= === A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable (note that there are extended metaphors and more complex examples that you might run into in your language A Classes)===

Metaphor: (Thing 1) is (Thing 2)

example 1: Love is a banana peel

(Ben Weisman and Fred Wise, "I slipped, I stumbled, I fell," sung by Elvis Presley in Wild in the Country, 1961 media type="youtube" key="9RRUbaRiV3w" height="315" width="420"
 * I look at you and wham, I'm head over heels.**
 * i guess that love is a banana peel.**
 * I fell so bad and yet I'm feeling so well.**
 * I slipped, I stumbled, I fell.**

example 2: Love is a dog from hell. (Charles Bukowski, Love Is a Dog From Hell, 1977) example 3: Her home was a prison.

What are two other examples of metaphor?

Irony is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
===**Irony is a figure of speech. A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant or an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. (The definition for this can be complex but let's go with the verbal irony as defined above)**===

example 1:"Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man" (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar) example 2: That boy's so smart, he's flunked out of three different schools. example 3: Oh, that's just great! (when something is not great) example 4: > //Schwab:// What, me sir? > //Kampenfeldt:// I warn you, Schwab, such treasonable conduct will lead you to a concentration camp. > //Schwab:// But sir, what did I say? > //Kampenfeldt:// You were distinctly heard to remark, "This is a fine country to live in." > //Schwab:// Oh, no, sir. There's some mistake. No, what I said was, "This is a //fine// country to live in." > //Kampenfeldt:// Huh? You sure? > //Schwab:// Yes sir. > //Kampenfeldt:// I see. Well, in future don't make remarks that can be taken two ways. > (Raymond Huntley and Eliot Makeham in //Night Train to Munich//, 1940) What are two other examples of irony?
 * //Kampenfeldt:// This is a grave matter, a very grave matter. It has just been reported to me that you've been expressing sentiments hostile to the Fatherland.

=__ **Lost in Translation** __=

//Consider the following translations into English that haven't quite made the jump as clearly as intended.//

 * 'Bite the wax tadpole.'** ('Coca-Cola' as originally translated into Chinese.)
 * Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.'** ('Pepsi Comes Alive' as originally translated into Chinese.)
 * 'You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.'** (In a Japanese hotel.)
 * 'Drop your trousers here for best results.'** (In a Bangkok dry cleaner's.)
 * 'I am amazingly diverted by your entreaty for a room. I can offer you a commodious chamber with balcony imminent to the romantic gorge, and I hope that you want to drop in. A vivacious stream washes my doorsteps, so do not concern yourself that I am not too good in bath, I am superb in bed.'** From a response to an inquiry about accommodation.
 * Press the button of your desire.** Instruction in a Bangkok lift
 * We shall be coming on Tuesday to pester your room.** Pest control at Bangkok Garden Apartments
 * All bicycles that are not removed from the car park will be exterminated.** Instruction to tenants at Bangkok Garden Apartments
 * It is forbidden to enter a woman, even a foreigner, if dressed as a man.** Sign at a Bangkok Temple
 * Would you like to ride on your own ass?** Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand



Hey! Here are some more problems

=Discussion Posting=
 * 1) Write a thoughtful response (around 300 words) to the task below in your class discussion page in the toolbar on the left.
 * 2) Comment on at least two other responses. One of your comments must be to a response without any comments. Make this something more substantial than, "Great Response!"

>
 * Imagine creating a language that had none of the problems that you have seen above. What would it look like? Would it work? Would it improve our ability to communicate?
 * Homework:** Reading: van de Lagemaat p.p. 60-76