General Semantics


Relationship between language and
reality

 the way in which language influence our

thinking
 Characteristics of
Language

1. Language = static; Reality = dynamic
ex: ....

2. Language = limited; Reality = unlimited

ex: ....
 
3. Language is abstract
Selecting some details of reality
“abstraction ladder”

4. Assumptions built into language

ex: sexism language
 Misuses of Language

1. Dead - level abstracting
=> high-level abstraction
=> low-level abstraction

2. Undue identification
=> categorical thinking
=> kegagalan melihat perbedaan antara anggota
kategori atau kelompok
 
3. Two valued evaluation
=> white – black, good – bad, dead - alive

4. Unconcious Projection
=> prejudice
 How to Climb DOWN the Ladder of Abstraction


 Embrace the phrase “For example…” .
Provide real-world tangible examples for your
theories and ideas.
 Use sensory language.
Help your audience see, touch, hear, taste, and smell.
 Be specific.
Provide ample details.
Tell stories and anecdotes.
Stories add emotion and realism to any theory.
 
Cite data, statistics, and case studies.
They offer support for your theories.
Feature photographs and props.
Remember that all words are a higher level of
abstraction compared to the real thing. Use the real
thing.
Have a strong call-to-action.
Show your audience how to put your message into
practice.
Answer “How?” questions.
Questions like “How does this work?” force you to
more concrete explanations.
 How to Climb UP the Ladder of Abstraction


 Answer “Why is this important?”
Give the deeper meaning behind the concrete facts
and data.
 Provide the big picture.
Explain the context and orient your audience.
 Reveal patterns and relationships.
Help your audience see how the ideas connect —
both to other ideas and their lives.
 
 Draw diagrams.
Help your audience form mental models of
processes, objects, etc.
 Reveal the lesson.
Follow every story or case study with the key
insights.
 Summarize into principles and guidelines.
Help the audience learn from your experience by
providing principles they can use.
 Appeal to shared ideals.
Draw connections between your message and the
ideals held by your audience, such as justice, truth,