COMMS 121 Exam 1

Analyze situations for proper and improper use of I-language

Proper: I feel hurt Improper: I feel like you are in the wrong

Identify the principles of interpersonal communication

include nonverbal, paraverbal and verbal factors. These elements work both individually and together to enhance the experience

why we study interpersonal communication

involves the study of both the processes and effects of social interaction, usually in face-to-face situations. Both verbal and nonverbal behaviors are studied in laboratory and naturalistic contexts.

Discuss the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

is a principle claiming that the structure of a language affects its speakers' world view or cognition, and thus people's perceptions are relative to their spoken language.

olfactics

the study of the sense of smell

kinesics

the study of the way in which certain body movements and gestures serve as a form of nonverbal communication. body movements and gestures regarded as a form of nonverbal communication.

appearance

the way that someone or something looks

Discuss the three primary types of information we gather from interpret nonverbal cues

3 Types of Nonverbal Communication. ... The three aspects of nonverbal communication include: Proxemics - or the use of space. Paralanguage - or the use of voice. Kinesics - or body signals.

Apply the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

According to this hypothesis, our language influences and shapes our cultural reality by limiting our thought processes. ... An example of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is how sexist language influences the way in which our society views men and women. For instance, we use words like 'fireman,' 'policeman,' and 'male nurse.'

Define equivocation in the context of language

Commonly known as "doublespeak," equivocation is the use of vague language to hide one's meaning or to avoid committing to a point of view. ... The two essential elements of equivocation are: Ambiguous language.

Define "I" Language:

Communicating in sense of how you feel using I feel

Why communication is important

Communication is the act of one or more persons conveying information to someone else. The content of the communication can be facts, ideas, concepts, opinions, attitudes and emotions. ... Communication is very important because it's the only way we can effectively work together on anything.

Describe how culture and gender impact our use and interpretation of language

Cultural differences causes behavior and personality differences like body language, thinking, communication, manners, norms, etc. which leads to miscommunication. ... Every action is influenced by culture like ambitions, careers, interests, values, etc. Beliefs are also another cause for cultural barrier. Women also tend to have a wider-range of emotional vocabulary, using language more readily to describe their feelings and emotional states. Men, on the other hand, tend to use language more assertively and are more likely to suppress, or hold back, their emotions.

Distinguish denotative meaning in a word from its connotative meaning

Denotative youthful childish immature: all mean the same thing Connotative: Youthful is positive childish is negative and immature is negative even though they all share the same denotative meaning.

Identify equivocation in language

Description: Using an ambiguous term in more than one sense, thus making an argument misleading. Example #1: I want to have myself a merry little Christmas, but I refuse to do as the song suggests and make the yuletide gay.

Explain the functions of nonverbal communication in relationship to verbal communication

Functions of Nonverbal Communication. A primary function of nonverbal communication is to convey meaning by reinforcing, substituting for, or contradicting verbal communication. Nonverbal communication is also used to influence others and regulate conversational flow.

Distinguish high-context cultures from low-context cultures (How do each of these cultures communicate through explicit language or implicit meanings)

High-context cultures are those that communicate in ways that are implicit and rely heavily on context. In contrast, low-context cultures rely on explicit verbal communication. High-context cultures are collectivist, value interpersonal relationships, and have members that form stable, close relationships.

Distinguish interpersonal communication from impersonal communication

Interpersonal communication often involves communicating with someone you care about. Impersonal communication involves communication with people such as a sales clerk - some you have no history with and expect no future with them.

Categories of Nonverbal Communication

Kinesics Proxemics Paralanguage Chronemics Olfactics Aesthetics Gustorics

why we study communication

Studying Communication can improve self-knowledge and self perception because most self-knowledge comes to us through communication. Studying Communication can improve how we see others as communication is the way we meet others, develop and manage relationships and work effectively with others.

Discuss the characteristics of mediated interpersonal communication

The term "mediated communication" refers to any situation where a technological medium is introduced into face-to-face interaction. This includes interpersonal mediated communication, media-simulated interpersonal communication, person-computer interpersonal communication, and unicommunication.

Explain the ways that language can be unclear or vague

Vague language is words and phrases that aren't very exact or precise. You might want to use these phrases if you aren't sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation!

Define nonverbal communication and verbal communication

Verbal communication includes both face-to-face conversation between people and written communication. It includes sounds, words, or speaking. ... It includes sounds, words, or speaking. Nonverbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, body movement, timing, touch, and anything else done without speaking.

Explain the differences between nonverbal and verbal communication

Verbal communication includes both face-to-face conversation between people and written communication. It includes sounds, words, or speaking. Nonverbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, body movement, timing, touch, and anything else done without speaking.

Analyze nonverbal communication for cues relating to the three primary types of information

Wood says nonverbal cues include "all the communication between people that do not have a direct verbal translation." They are "body movements, body orientation, nuances of the voice, facial expressions, details of dress, and choice and movement of objects that communicate.

vocalics

characteristics of the voice that communicate meaning

facial cues

communication that comes from the face through over 250,000 different expressions

artifacts

object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced

proxemics

study of personal space

haptics

study of touch

Explain the three points of the triangle of meaning

symbol, Reference (Thought), and Referent