Communication 1010 Key terms

Syntax

the occurrence and ordering of words and sounds to convey an intended meaning

nonverbal communication

the process of relaying messages and meanings without the use of words.

Face

the public image people try to claim

Territory

the space people consider theirs

Ethnography

the study of human social interaction from the inside

euphemism

the substitution of vague or less emotionally charged words for more direct options.

Facial Expressions

the use if the face's mobility in communication

Kinesics

the use of body motions in communication

Encoding

transforming a message into an understandable sign and symbol system

metaphor

unstated comparisons between things or events that share some features.

imaginative function (of language)

using language to bring pleasure

Persuasive Function (of language)

using language to change the attitudes or thinking of those around us

Ritualistic Function (of Language)

using language to meet an important social convention or expectation

informative function (of language)

using language to provide and get information

Expressive Function (of language)

using language to state personal feelings, thoughts, and attitudes.

Haptics

communication through touch

Frame Analysis

consist of using social cues or frames to understand our role in a given situation or context

bounded culture

cultural identities existing within the larger culture.

medium

in a linear communication model, the carrier of a message.

Quantitative Research

inquiry relying on the collection and analysis of numerical data.

qualitative research

inquiry relying on the collection and analysis of symbolic data such as language and other cultural products.

feedback

response to a message.

small talk

scripted and superficial conversations based on social convention

Artifacts

objects we use to identify ourselves.

Chronemics

Using time to convey meaning

intimate Space

0-18 inches, distance zone that implies an extremely personal connection.

Personal Space

18 inch - 4 feet, distance zone that implies a close, but not intimate relationship

Social Space

4-12 feet apart, distance zone suggesting little, if any intimacy

Physiological Noise

barrier to listening to introduced by listener's discomfort

stereotype

A generalization of people, places, or things.

Linear model

A representation of communication as a linear process, with messages traveling from a source, through a medium, to a receiver. oldest most simplified

theory

A unified, coherent, and organized set of explanations, concepts, and principles describing some aspect of the world.

denotative meaning

A word's explicit meaning when used by a specific speech community

Representational communication:

Conveying the facts or information objectively

receiver

In a linear communication model, the recipient of a message.

looking glass self

In symbolic interaction, the idea that the self is accomplished by seeing ourselves as others see us.

Discriminative Listening

Listening carefully with the ability to sift out the important information while weaning out that which is insignificant

Appreciative Listening

Listening for enjoyment or pleasure

Informative Listening

Listening to be informed, to understand the message

Symbolic Interaction

People give meanings to symbols and then behave according to those meanings.

ontology

Questions of the nature of reality and what is knowable.

Presentational communication:

Someone's version of the facts or information

Specification of Ignorance

The idea that in science, every answer produces new questions

mainstream culture

The mainstream culture is considered the dominant culture.

Hearing

The physical process of perceiving sounds

Oculesics

The use of pupil dilation, eye movement, and eye contact in meaning making

culture

The world made meaningful, socially constructed and maintained through communication.

Critical theory

Theory that challenges existing ways of organizing the social world and the people and institutions exercising power in it.

language

a communication system made up of formal units combined in systematic ways to cooperatively make meaning.

Schema

a mental structure built from past experiences that we use to process new information and organize new experiences

Transactional Model of Communication

a representation of the elements communication as interdependent and the process of communication as ongoing and dynamic. most complex and contemporary model

Frames

a specific set of expectations we use to make sense of the specific social situation we may find ourselves in at the time.

Connotative Meaning

a word's implicit, usually emotionally or evaluatively enriched meaning.

Listening

actively making meaning from the spoken messages of others

Noise

anything that interferes with the process of communication

Physical Noise

barrier to listening external to the message itself

Semantic Noise

barrier to listening introduced by linguistic influences on the message

Psychological Noise

barrier to listening introduced by the listener's mindset

decoding

interpreting signs and symbols.

communication

is about shared meaning making, a critical component to how we develop as human beings. It allows us to construct and control our environments.

Textual analysis

is the deep reading of a message or group of messages with the goal of describing and interpreting the text. Movies are a good example of commonly analyzed texts.

Critical Listening

listening for evaluation or analysis

Mnemoics

memory devices based on patterns drawn from what's heard.

interactional model

more expressive version of linear model (reciprocal and ongoing)

Public Space

more than 12 feet apart, distance zone implying little intimacy and indicating a more formal language environment

proxemics

our use of space and distance to make meaning

Epistemology

questions of how to best create and expand knowledge

axiology

questions of the proper roles of values in research and theory building.

Vocalics

sounds and rhythms other than actual words which come out of one's mouth

Gesticulations

specific movement of hands and arms to communicate

Framing

structuring the meaning of verbal communication through the use of nonverbal cues.

dialectic

tension in need of resolution.

Dominant culture

the collective cultural experience held and shared by the large majority of people