Lesson 5

reading as a communication
process
Language

It is a code system used by

humans to communicate.
Characteristics of language

Clarity
A reader can easily and immediately
understand language when code
symbols are concrete rather than
abstractions and generalizations.
Clarity
Many students attended the
council meeting.
Ninety-five college students
attended Tuesday’s student council
meeting.
Clarity
The Philippines became a sovereign nation
in the late 1890’s
The Philippines was freed from Hispanic
colonial rule when our forbears led by
General Emilio Aguinaldo declared
Independence on June 12, 1898.
Characteristics of language

Simplicity
Complex wording written for the
sake of verbal erudition is less easily
understood, compared with what is
expressed directly and to the point.
Simplicity

Shall we partake of our repast?

Shall we eat?
Mother’s culinary dishes are exquisite.
Mother cooks well.
Simplicity

Shall we delve into a deep slumber?

How I despise the excruciatingly

grueling assessments.
Characteristics of language

Adapted Language
Words of expression should relate
to the reader’s age, educational
attainment, gender, ethnic origin,
other personal factors.
Adapted Language

Age
Educational Attainment
Gender
Ethnic Origin
etc
Characteristics of language

Forceful
Stimulating language provides
color, interest and excitement.
Forceful

Compare:
He jumped over the barbed wire fences
and his arm was scratched.
He jumped over the rusty barbed wire
fences when he suddenly felt an immediate
rush of pain and a sticky warm wetness
right above his left elbow.
Characteristics of language

Vivid Language
Descriptive wording stirs the
senses of the reader.
Vivid language

The girl walked across the

hallway. I was hit by her pretty
eyes and her cute face. Her
beauty is attractive.
Vivid language

The girl strut across the hallway.

I was stuck by her enchanting
eyes and her charming face. Her
beauty is captivating.