COMM 120 Exam 1

Arbitrary

No inherent rule why words mean what they mean

Ambiguous

Not always clear or definitive consensus on meaning

Abstract

Stand-in for tangible things or ideas

Language & Culture Reflect

The way a group communicates depends on culture, but culture also depends on language

Rule guided

Regulative: when, where, who constitutive: how to perform & percieve (what “counts” as x)

Subjective

Meaning is constructed in context and
over time creating layers and
differences

Shaped by punctuation

In verbal interactions, the timing matters.

Symbolic abilities: defines phenomena

Experiences, people, relationships via labels

Symbolic abilities: evaluates the world

Powerful for values, perceptions, emotions

Symbolic abilities: organizes perception

Through categories, stereotypes/schemas, etc.

Symbolic abilities: hypothetical thought

Beyond concrete reality; alternate possibilities

Symbolic abilities: self reflection

Think about ourselves (in goals for our behavior or self- image)

Guidelines for improving verbal communication: dual perspective

account for other ideas, be adaptive, honor your own and other viewpoints

Guidelines for improving verbal communication: respect others

do not disparage other thoughts; respect others’ emotions, do not assume, ask for elaboration

Guidelines for improving verbal communication: own your thoughts and feelings

take responsibility, use I language “avoid blaming others for your feelings”

Guidelines for improving verbal communication: strive for clarity

avoid AAA language misunderstandings, be aware of abstraction and subjectivity; opt for absolute over general statements

Speech communities

people sharing a language

Social locations

the societal context an individual occupies, defined by factors like gender, race, class, age, religion, and more

Non verbal principles: relation to verbal

May repeat (nodding while saying yes) or even contradict

Non verbal principles: regulates communication

Regulates the flow (when to talk, pacing conversation)

Non verbal principles: relationship language

Shows responsiveness (immediacy/closeness) liking, and power aka relationship level meaning

Non verbal principles: reflect cultural values

There are differences in not only what we say but how we say it (significance: nonverbal is a socialized process, not innate)

types of non verbal: Chronemics

refers to the use of times as means of nonverbal communication 

types of non verbal: Kinesics

pertains to the study of body movements, facial expressions and gestures

types of non verbal: Haptics

touch

types of non verbal: Proxemics

space

types of non verbal: appearance

The presentation of your physical attributes in a face to face interaction

types of non verbal: environmental

Elements of a setting that affect how we feel and act

types of non verbal: artifacts

Personal objects to announce our identities, heritage, and environments

types of non verbal: Paralanguage

Vocal but not language based

Defying interpersonal communication

• A distinct type of interaction between people

• Defined by what happens between them, not amount of time

Spectrum

• I-It: impersonal treatment and objectification

• I-you: role based interaction and recognition

• I-thou: deep personal connection and acceptance

Dimensions of relationship level meaning

• Cultural context 

• Responsiveness

• Liking

• Power dynamics

Feature of interpersonal communication: selective

few relationships are deeply personal

Feature of interpersonal communication: systemic

meaning depends on system/context

Feature of interpersonal communication: process

communication is ongoing and irreversible

Feature of interpersonal communication: personal knowledge

develops trust and ethical responsibility

Feature of interpersonal communication: meaning creating

shared meanings, content and relational

Principles of interpersonal communication: We cannot not

communicate

Principles of interpersonal communication: Communication is

irreversible

Principles of interpersonal communication: Communication involves

ethical choices

Principles of interpersonal communication: People construct

meaning

Principles of interpersonal communication: Metacommunication affects

meanings

Principles of interpersonal communication: Communication sustains

relationships

Principles of interpersonal communication: Communication is not a

Panacea

Principles of interpersonal communication: Communication is effectiveness that can be

learned

Guidelines for interpersonal communication competence

1. develop a range of skills

2. adapt communication appropriately

3. engage in dual perspective

4. monitor your communication

5. commit to ethical communication