Ethnography of Communication - Review Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the ethnography of communication, facilitating understanding and retention for the upcoming exam.

Ethnography of Communication

Study of how language and communication practices are shaped by cultural contexts.

Components of Communication

Elements that contribute to the communication event, including genre, topic, participants, and setting.

Referential Focus

The specific topic or subject matter being discussed or referenced in a communicative event.

Interaction Goals

The specific objectives or purposes each participant aims to achieve during an interaction.

Norms of Interpretation

Cultural rules that guide how communication is understood within a specific context.

Message Form

The type and structure of communication used, encompassing both vocal and non-vocal channels.

Backchannel

Nonverbal or verbal cues from listeners that indicate they are engaged in the conversation.

Silent Communication

The use of silence as a means of conveying meaning in a communicative context.

Dilingual Discourse

Interaction between speakers of languages that are not mutually intelligible.

Act Sequence

The order and organization in which speech acts are performed during communication.

Positive and Negative Face

Concepts from sociolinguistics; positive face is the desire to be liked, while negative face is the wish to avoid imposition.

Indirectness

A style of communication that seeks to maintain social harmony by avoiding directness.

Kinship Terms

Words used to express relationships and social hierarchy, significant in many cultures.

Language Ideology

Cultural beliefs and values that influence how language is perceived and used.

Quotative

A linguistic element used to report speech or thought.

Echo Word Construction

A form of reduplication where a word is repeated to provide a label for a semantic field.

Cultural Presuppositions

Assumptions shared by members of a culture that inform their interpretations of communication.

Politeness Strategies

Methods used in conversation to maintain social distance or build rapport.