Dell Hymes

Definition

Dell Hymes was a linguist and ethnographer who is best known for his work in the field of sociolinguistics and the ethnography of speaking. He developed the concept of 'communicative competence', which emphasizes understanding language use in social contexts rather than just grammar. Hymes's work highlights how language functions in different cultural settings, illustrating the importance of context, participants, and the social norms that guide communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hymes introduced the term 'communicative competence' to emphasize the importance of social context in understanding language use.
2. His work led to the development of the SPEAKING model, which outlines factors to consider when analyzing speech events: Setting, Participants, Ends, Act Sequence, Key, Instrumentalities, Norms, and Genre.
3. Hymes's approach shifted the focus from just linguistic forms to how language is embedded within cultural practices.
4. He argued that understanding communication requires examining the roles of participants and their relationships in specific contexts.
5. Hymes's contributions have had a lasting impact on fields such as anthropology, education, and applied linguistics by promoting a holistic view of language use.

Review Questions

• How did Dell Hymes redefine our understanding of language beyond just grammar?
  • Dell Hymes redefined our understanding of language by introducing the concept of 'communicative competence', which goes beyond grammatical rules to include social context and cultural nuances. This means that being able to speak a language effectively involves knowing how to use it appropriately in different social situations. Hymes emphasized that language is not only about structure but also about the relationships between speakers and their cultural backgrounds.
• Discuss the significance of Hymes's SPEAKING model in analyzing speech events within different cultural contexts.
  • Hymes's SPEAKING model is significant because it provides a framework for analyzing various elements involved in speech events. Each component—Setting, Participants, Ends, Act Sequence, Key, Instrumentalities, Norms, and Genre—helps researchers understand how communication functions in specific cultural contexts. By considering these factors, one can appreciate how social dynamics and cultural practices shape language use, making it easier to identify what influences effective communication in diverse settings.
• Evaluate how Dell Hymes's work has influenced modern linguistic research and education practices.
  • Dell Hymes's work has greatly influenced modern linguistic research by encouraging scholars to explore the social aspects of language use. His ideas have led to more integrative approaches in teaching languages that prioritize real-world communication skills over rote memorization of grammatical rules. In education, his emphasis on communicative competence has inspired curricula that foster students' abilities to navigate diverse linguistic landscapes and understand cultural contexts, preparing them for effective communication in increasingly globalized environments.

Related terms

Communicative Competence: The ability to use language effectively in a social context, which includes not only grammatical knowledge but also an understanding of social norms and cultural nuances.

Ethnography: A qualitative research method used to study cultures and communities through direct observation and participation, providing insights into social practices and behaviors.

Speech Community: A group of people who share a common language or dialect and the associated social norms governing its use.