Back to topics

A word's emotional force goes beyond its definition

The same word can sound affectionate among friends and hostile in an argument. Research on taboo language asks how learned social meanings give certain words an emotional force that ordinary synonyms may lack.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why might two listeners react differently to the same word?
  • How do a speaker's relationship and situation change whether a word feels friendly or hostile?

Start reading

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Language

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

A new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

3–5 min

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

A word's emotional force goes beyond its definition | Speech Topic | speaking.app