Miscellaneous: A Little More for Doctors, Lawyers and Others

We can never be sure we will be understood as intended. Advice is given on what to do to be understood better and what to do if we want to sound fuzzy and unclear. Communication involves much misunderstanding. The more abstract the language the more space for misunderstanding and the more likelihood for conflict. Polarization is often caused by language, by our beliefs about how it works. Small linguistic differences may lead to big social consequences. The use of politically correct language may significantly impact social change. Advertisement may be seen as manipulation, but not necessarily so. In advertisement we can talk about degrees of manipulation. Advertisements usually use adjectives appealing to positive emotions. Advertisement creators count on our reacting to language the signal way. The role of language in the legal profession is important though often downgraded or neglected. A linguistic argument may help solve the ever-present abortion debate. Our knowledge about how language works can also help in health care. Language plays a major role in persuasion. Persuasion often involves using emotional language. Persuasion may involve subtle language tricks. Politeness rules play a significant role in successful communication.