CFS255 ch. 4

Language Evaluates

language isn't neutral or objective but "filled" with values -reflects and shapes perceptions (those we like and those we don't) -language can be loaded (strongly slanted perceptions/meanings) -can degrade others (name-calling, hate speech)

symbols are ambiguous

meaning isn't clear-cut. -individual experiences shape a range of meanings -ambiguity can lead to misunderstanding ex: "visiting relatives can be a nuisance"

Language Allows Self-Reflection

we use language to reflect on ourselves -self-reflection allows us to monitor communication -self-reflection allows us to manage our image

Language Defines

we use symbols to define experiences, people, relationships, feelings, and thoughts The definitions we use shape what things mean to us

symbols are arbitrary

words are nor intrinsically connected to what they represent (no necessary or natural connection) -agreement on meaning -can change over time -are invented

4: Punctuation shapes meaning (Four Principles of Verbal Communication)

-In interpersonal communication punctuation defines beginnings/endings of interactions -demand-withdraw pattern ("everything is fine")

3: Language use is rule guided (Four Principles of Verbal Communication)

-Verbal communication is patterned by unspoken but broadly understood rules (don't have to be aware of them to follow them) -communication rules- shared understanding of what communication means -what is happening in a interaction/situation appropriateness

1: Language Reflects Cultural Values and Perspectives (Four Principles of Verbal Communication)

-creates/ reproduces culture by naming and normalizing practices valued by the culture communication also changes cultures by naming things in way that alter understanding (ex. date rape, hooking up) -language is a primary tool that social movements use to change cultural life and meanings (handicapped-disabled person-person w disability)

Symbolic Abilities

-our ability to use symbols allows us to live in a world of ideas and meanings -think about how you can realize the constructive power of language and minimize the problems it can cause

Two Types of Communication Rules

-regulative rules: specify how, where and with whom to talk about certain things (vary across cultures and social groups) -constitutive rules- specifies how to interpret different kinds of communication (respect, friendliness, affection)

2: The meanings of language are subjective (Four Principles of Verbal Communication)

-we construct meanings in the process of interacting with others (type of relationship) -consider how infants learn the meaning of language ("no)

Five Ways that Symbolic Abilities Affect our Lives

1. Defines 2. Evaluates 3. Organizes Perceptions 4. Allows hypothetical Thought 5. Allows Self-Reflection

Guidelines for improving verbal communication (1)

1. Engage in Dual Perspective being person centered recognize another's perspective and take it into account as you communicate competent communicators respect and adapt to the perspective of others we don't need to abandon our own perspectives but do need to accommodate those of others

Guidelines for improving verbal communication (2)

2. Own your feelings and thoughts we often use language in ways that obscure our responsibility for how we feel and what we think others do not directly cause our responses effective communicators take responsibility for themselves by using language that owns their thoughts and feelings

Speech Communities

exist when people share norms about how to use talk and what purposes it serves -shared understandings of how to communicate rather than countries of geographic locations -defined by shared ideas about communication

Language Organizes Perceptions

how we organize experiences affect what they mean to use -language allows abstract thought -can stereotype/lead to distorted thinking

Effective Communicators claim their feelings and do not blame others

rely on "i" language other than "you" "i" language allows you to oren your own feelings while explaining to others how you interpret their behaviors "You make me nervous on the job VS "when you watch me work, I feel nervous"

symbols are abstract

they are not concrete or tangible. Words stand for idea, people, events, objects, etc. They are not the things they represent, as symbols become increasingly abstract, more potential for confusion ex: more likely to recall behaviors that our consistent "friend is insensitive- remember times they were insensitive and overlook other times"

Language allows hypothetical thought

thinking about experiences and ideas that are not part of your concrete. present situation -plan, dream, set goals, etc. -think beyond immediate, concrete situations -live in 3Dimensions of time -fosters personal growth