Language in Context

You learned about the importance of context in Chapter 1 as part of our model of communication competence. Context is particularly important to our study of language in three ways: language reflects, builds on, and determines context.

With these points in mind, let’s consider how language works in different situations, in our relationships, and in our cultures, as well as in mediated settings.

AND YOU?

Question

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Consider the various situations you find yourself in over the course of a given day—at home, in the classroom, at a student activity, on the job, and so on. Do you have different speech repertoires for each situation? Does your language change further depending on who is present—your mother, your best friend, your professor?