CONCEPÇÃO DE LINGUAGEM

Summary

In this video, Amanda explores three major conceptions of language: language as an expression of thought, language as a communication tool, and language as a process of interaction. She discusses how each view shapes grammar, communication, and textual interpretation. The first conception emphasizes prescriptive grammar and individual thought, the second focuses on language as a tool for transmitting information, and the third sees language as a dynamic, social interaction where meaning is context-dependent. Amanda highlights the evolution from word to sentence to text as the unit of analysis and encourages deeper exploration of language theory.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language was traditionally viewed as an expression of thought, where grammar was prescriptive and rules had to be strictly followed.
• 😀 In the 1950s and 1960s, the first conception of language focused on the individual 'I' who controlled communication through a formal, structured use of language.
• 😀 The concept of reading was limited to decoding the text, and the text was seen as a finished product with only one possible interpretation.
• 😀 The second conception (1960s-1970s) introduced language as a tool for communication, with grammar described as the rules that community members follow in practice.
• 😀 In this second conception, the purpose of language shifted from expressing thoughts to transmitting information between people.
• 😀 The reader's role was to interpret the coded messages in communication, with the text still seen as a fixed model.
• 😀 The role of the speaker now shifted from being an individual expressing thoughts to someone communicating to others, creating a more dynamic interaction.
• 😀 The third conception (post-1970) focuses on language as a process of interaction, influenced by theories like Bakhtin’s and contemporary discourse analysis.
• 😀 In this third conception, the function of language is seen as a tool for action and social interaction, with a focus on how language shapes and reflects social relationships.
• 😀 The text became the central unit of analysis, reflecting the fluid and interactive nature of language, with multiple meanings and interpretations based on context.
• 😀 Language varieties were recognized as important, with oral and written forms both valued depending on the context of communication.

Q & A

What are the three main conceptions of language discussed in the video?

The three main conceptions of language discussed are: language as an expression of thought, language as a tool for interaction, and language as a process of interaction.

What is the view of language in the first conception, as an expression of thought?

In the first conception, language is seen as the expression of thought, where grammar is prescriptive, and the focus is on following rules to communicate the speaker's inner thoughts. The text is seen as a finished product, and reading is just a process of decoding the written text without room for new interpretations.

How does the second conception of language differ from the first one?

In the second conception, language is viewed as a tool for interaction. It emphasizes the transmission of information, and grammar is descriptive, reflecting how speakers in a community actually use language. Here, the speaker focuses on communication with others, and reading is more about interpreting codes and understanding the intended message.

What role does the 'self' play in the different conceptions of language?

In the first conception, the 'self' is central, as the speaker's thoughts are externalized through language. In the second conception, the self still plays a role but is considered in the context of communication with others. In the third conception, the focus shifts entirely to social interaction, and the self is seen as constructed through language within social contexts.

What changes in the third conception of language, as a process of interaction?

In the third conception, language is seen as a process of interaction. It is influenced by theories like Bakhtin's and focuses on the dynamic, contextual nature of meaning. Grammar is internalized, and the meaning of texts is considered polysemic, changing according to the interaction between the speaker and the listener. The focus is on the social function of language.

How is reading defined in the first and second conceptions of language?

In the first conception, reading is viewed as a process of decoding written symbols with a fixed, single meaning. In the second conception, reading is about interpreting the codes and understanding the speaker’s intended message, but it still maintains the idea of a single, unchanging meaning.

How does the understanding of grammar evolve through the three conceptions of language?

In the first conception, grammar is prescriptive, meaning that it dictates how language should be used. In the second, grammar is descriptive, reflecting how people actually use language in communication. In the third conception, grammar is contextualized and internalized, meaning speakers use it based on the social context of the interaction.

What is the significance of the shift from word to text as the unit of analysis?

The shift from word to text as the unit of analysis reflects a transition from focusing on individual language components (like phonemes and morphemes) to considering larger structures and how language functions in context. In the third conception, the text becomes the key unit because it represents the interaction between speakers and how meaning is constructed through the entire communication process.

How are varieties of language viewed in the three conceptions?

In the first conception, varieties of language are excluded and seen as errors. In the second, they are acknowledged but only theoretically, without considering them as part of actual communication. In the third, varieties are recognized as valid and important, with the focus on their appropriateness in different communicative contexts.

What is the relationship between written and spoken language in the three conceptions?

In the first conception, written language is prioritized, and spoken language is expected to follow written grammatical rules. In the second, oral language is considered in a more synchronic way, but written language still holds more importance. In the third conception, spoken and written language are seen as equally important, each with its own aspects, and both are adapted according to the context of use.