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Related Concept Videos

Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
What is Matter?01:13

What is Matter?

The substance of the universe—from a grain of sand to a star—is called matter. Scientists define matter as anything that occupies space and has mass. An object’s mass and its weight are related concepts, but not quite the same. An object’s mass is the amount of matter contained in the object and is the same whether that object is on Earth or in the zero-gravity environment of outer space. An object’s weight, on the other hand, is its mass as affected by the pull of gravity. Where gravity...
Components of Language01:24

Components of Language

Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs. “eh”). Phonemes combine to...
Language01:16

Language

Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances01:29

Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances

Appearance is a multidimensional aspect of self-presentation that encompasses observable attributes such as clothing, grooming, speech, and nonverbal behavior. These elements are often strategically managed to align with socially constructed expectations in different settings. For instance, individuals tailor their appearance during job interviews, social gatherings, or athletic events to meet the perceived norms of those environments.Contextual Adaptation and Social SignalsThe research...
Language Development01:22

Language Development

Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis
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Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis

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Language matters!

Rebecca Jane Allison1

  • 1Walsall Manor Hospital.

The Practising Midwife
|February 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Healthcare language can disempower women during pregnancy and childbirth. Adopting mindful communication and respectful language is crucial for building trusting relationships and improving the birthing experience.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare communication
  • Maternal health
  • Sociolinguistics in medicine

Background:

  • Medical terminology and professional discourse can negatively impact women's experiences of pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Existing communication practices may inadvertently disempower patients during sensitive health journeys.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical need for a shift in healthcare professional communication practices.
  • To emphasize the significance of language choices in patient-provider relationships during pregnancy and birth.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of common medical phrases and informal communication patterns used in obstetrics.
  • Discussion of specific examples of disempowering language and alternative approaches.

Main Results:

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis
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Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis

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The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition
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The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

Published on: February 19, 2018

  • Certain medical terms and communication styles are identified as disempowering for women.
  • The importance of "thinking before speaking" is underscored for effective patient care.

Conclusions:

  • A change in practice is necessary, focusing on mindful language and improved communication skills.
  • Building trusting relationships with women requires conscious and respectful dialogue throughout their pregnancy and birthing experience.