What mnemonic did Dell Hymes develop to explain the essential characteristics of discourse?

Prepare for the CTEL 1 - Language and Language Development Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Get ready to succeed!

Dell Hymes developed the mnemonic "SPEAKING" to outline the essential characteristics of discourse within the context of ethnography of communication. Each letter in the mnemonic stands for a specific component that is crucial for understanding how language is used in social contexts.

The components represented by "SPEAKING" are as follows:

  • S: Setting and Scene, referring to the time and place of communication.
  • P: Participants, which includes who is involved in the interaction.
  • E: Ends, representing the purposes and goals of the communication.
  • A: Act Sequence, which describes the content and structure of the conversation.
  • K: Key, indicating the manner in which something is said, including tone and style.
  • I: Instrumentalities, denoting the channels of communication (spoken, written, etc.).
  • N: Norms, which are the social rules guiding the interaction.
  • G: Genre, referring to the type of discourse (e.g., narrative, argument, etc.).

Understanding these characteristics helps in analyzing how cultural context influences language use and discourse practices. This mnemonic is widely recognized in linguistics and communication studies, making it a valuable tool for educators and researchers alike. The other options do not specifically correspond to H

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