Archive for June, 2010

Occupational Language

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Occupations also have their own distinctive mode expressions as depicted in the language used by their members. Secretaries, mechanics, salesman, social scientists, journalists, and teachers have their own unique way of talking. Technical language, class vocabulary and argot (words that are substitute for ordinary traditional words) are woven into a pattern of speaking, so that to be fully acculturated into a work group, a person must know how to communicate in the customary way.
Thus the accountant speaks in terms of debit, credit, audit, journal, books — which are technical terms. The doctor may talk in terms of the OR (operating room). DOA (dead on arrival), ETD (expected time of delivery) as part his vocabulary Often times policeman, the cigarette vendors, and the drivers develop some jargon or argots. A newcomer will eventually learn this worker’s vocabulary and may even add to it as he becomes a member of the work group.