This video shows a talk from Steven Pinker, about language habits and change. Pinker certainly has a descriptive attitude towards language, reflected in his first idea that language is a window onto human nature. This idea supports the thought that language emerges from human minds interacting with one another, which is visible in unstoppable change in language, for example slang & jargon, historical change, dialect divergence and language formation.
Pinker also expresses the concept that the standard communication model of sender - message - receiver, could be perceived in more ways than one, perhaps due to social, historical or cultural context. For example, the use of metaphorical or hypothetical statements that veil the intended meaning of the act, when both parties understand the meaning and intent behind the content of speech. Steven uses an example here to portray this effect, "If you could open the window that would be great". The intended message of this statement is essentially an imperative, but has been veiled to act as a request rather than an order, so that the speaker does not seem rude or impolite, especially if the social context of the conversation is that of a new or formal relationship.
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