Language in Thought and Action, Chapters 1-2
Have these written in your composition notebooks prior to class.
Chapter 1 describes a “Niagara of Words”. What does a Niagara of Words look like today?
Using context clues, provide a 2-3 sentence rough definition of “semantic environment”
Provide definitions for a symbol and a signal, giving an example of each. How do they relate to one another?
Here are a few things that do not require any writing but are worthwhile considering as you read and review the text.
Regarding the section “Pitfalls of Drama”, how does context influence the ways in which a symbol is interpreted? Can you think of any areas outside of dramatization in which this may be true?
What do you think it means to evaluate a symbol. What would be necessary to do so correctly?
How much of our semantic environment is influenced by commercial or political interests? Is it usually obvious? I like to often remind myself, “If I am not paying to read something, somebody is paying for me to be able read it.”
What are some other topics of conversation that arise from these chapters?