- •List of exam questions for Theory of Language Communication
- •Define existing approaches to communication.
- •Information theory
- •Speak about the notion of inference.
- •Indicate approaches to definition of communication.
- •Indicate the functions of communication.
- •Describe the basic models of communication.
- •Explain the nature of the relations between language, speech and communication.
- •Define the pre-linguistic stages of communication.
- •Define the notion of context and its types.
- •Verbal context
- •Social context
- •Indicate the differentiating features of discourse.
- •Introduce the term discourse and the scope of its expertise, cross-linguistic approaches in discourse studies.
- •Show the relations between communication and discourse.
- •Speak about types of discourse.
- •Define the features and categories of non-verbal communication.
- •Explain the notions of reference.
- •Speak about types of presupposition.
- •1) Existential presupposition:
- •Define a dialogue and describe its structure.
- •Speak about conversational analysis.
- •Define speech acts and speech events.
- •Describe the structure and nature of a speech act.
- •Explain j.Austin's approach and classification of speech acts.
- •Explain g.Searle's approach to speech acts and his classification.
- •Speak about the notion of deixis and its importance for communication.
- •Speak about person deixis,
- •Speak about spatial deixis and temporal deixis.
- •Speak about conversational style.
- •Speak about the maxims of communication and conversational implicatures.
- •Define the notion inference.
- •Speak about the input of culture in communication.
Speak about types of presupposition.
A presupposition is something the speaker assumes to be the case prior to making an utterance. An entailment is something that logically follows from what is asserted in the utterance.
Types:
1) Existential presupposition:
Entities named by the speaker and assumed to be present : noun phrase and possessive constructions.
noun phrase :"The Cold War has ended"
presupposes that the existence of the entities it refers to, in this case the "Cold War".
possessive constructions :“Tony’s car is new” we can presuppose that Tony exists and that he has a car.
2) Factive presupposition: identified by the presence of some verbs such as "know“, "realize“, “be glad”, “be sorry”, etc.
She didn’t realize he was ill. (>> He was ill)
We regret telling him. (>> We told him)
3) Lexical presupposition: In using one word, the speaker can act as if another meaning will be understood.
You are late again. (>> You were late before.)
4) Structural presupposition: it is the assumption associated with the use of certain structures.
wh-question constructions.
The listener perceives that the information presented is necessarily true, or intended as true by the speaker.
When did she travel to the USA? ( >> she travelled)
Where did you buy the book? (>> you bought the book)
5) Non- factive presupposition: it is an assumption referred to something that is not true.
For example, verbs like "dream", "imagine" and "pretend" are used with the presupposition that what follows is not true.
I dreamed that I was rich. (>> I was not rich)
6) Counterfactual presupposition: it is the assumption that what is presupposed is not only untrue, but is the opposite of what is true, or contrary to facts.
If you were my daughter, I would not allow you to do this. ( >> you are not my daughter)
If I were rich I would buy a Ferrari. (>> I’m not rich)
Define a dialogue and describe its structure.
Dialogue is a literary and theatrical form consisting of a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more ("dia" means through or across) people.
Dialogue Structure In each dialogue there are three sections. First you are presented with a topic framing in the form of either a summary, short story, or video. From there you move into your first section described below.
Opening Questions Section
In this section, you will:
Surface information that is likely to be new.
Reflect, listen carefully and deepen understanding.
Express deep convictions and also areas of uncertainty.
Present yourself and hear your partner in ways that dispel stereotypes and stimulate curiosity and connection.
Questions of Genuine Inquiry Section
In this section, you will:
Ask questions to learn more about what underlies your partner's point of view.
Ask for clarification of anything you've heard that isn't entirely clear.
Understand more about the personal experiences, values, and beliefs that contribute to your partner's point of view.
Closing Comments Section
In this section, you will:
Reflect on your experience in the dialogue.
Understand what you and your partner did that helped the dialogue go as it did.