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

Linear model

one way, passive receiver

Interactive model

feedback and fields of experience

Transactional model

simultaneous roles, time, shared systems

Nature of Interpersonal Communication: Selective Communication

Choosing to engage deeply with a few individuals

Nature of Interpersonal Communication: Systemic Communication

Understanding communication within broader contexts

Nature of Interpersonal Communication: Process-Driven Communication

Recognizing communication as an ongoing evolution

Nature of Interpersonal Communication: Personal Knowledge in Communication

Using unique insights to connect with others

Nature of Interpersonal Communication: Meaning Creation in Communication

Sharing and understanding mutual meanings

Content meaning:

Literal or denotative meaning of words.

Relationship-level meaning

What communication expresses about the relationship between communicators. There are 3 dimensions

Dimensions of Relationship-Level Meaning: cultural context

differences influence communication emphasis and understanding

Dimensions of Relationship-Level Meaning: responsiveness

indicates engagement and involvement in communication.

Dimensions of Relationship-Level Meaning: liking

conveys positive or negative feelings through various cues.

Dimensions of Relationship-Level Meaning: power dynamics

shape communication through covert negotiations.

psychological noise

internal, mental, and emotional distractions that interfere with a person's ability to receive, understand, or interpret a message

physiological noise

internal factors like your own thoughts, emotions, biases, assumptions, and preconceptions that interfere with how you receive and interpret a message

physical (environmental noise)

external, environmental stimuli that interfere with effective communication or a person's concentration

semantic noise

confusion or misinterpretation in communication caused by differences in how people understand the meaning of words, phrases, or symbols

Content meaning:

literal or denotative meaning of words.

Relationship-level meaning:

What communication expresses about the relationship between communicators. There are 3/4 dimensions

Self

The self exists in social context: interactions with others help us develop perceptions of our identities.

Direct definition

From labeling people or by labeling behaviors; telling us who we are

Reflected Appraisal

Perception of ourself that comes from our assumption of how others view us.

Identiity scripts

Rules for identity (learned notions of how we should act; formed very young, before we have control)

Attachment styles

"Patterns of caregiving" that develop relations between ourselves and others. Based on both perception of self and others.

Society (Generalized Other)

The social groupings we identify with influence how we understand ourselves

Example: how someone might understand themselves as intelligent, Comment from guidance counselor: “You've always been great at math."

direct defintion

Example: how someone might understand themselves as intelligent, Term paper plastered on the fridge

reflected appraisal

Example: how someone might understand themselves as intelligent, Comparing test scores (specifically, social comparison)

social comparison

Example: how someone might understand themselves as intelligent, Acknowledging you graduated from a prestigious school

identity scripts

Example: how someone might understand themselves as intelligent, Secure (or maybe even dismissive, but not anxious or fearful)) attachment between yourself and your parents

attachment styles

From particular Others

• Direct definiton

• reflection/comparison

• identity scripts

• attachment styles

Society (generalized others)

• culture

• race

• gender

• sexual orientation

• socio-econmoic class

Negotiating identity: frontstage self

Involves presenting a face (whether that be friendly, professional, brave, etc.) to appear acceptable in a social situation.

Negotiating identity

'performing self' (Goffman (1959, 1967) in an attempt to persuade others to believe our presentation, called impression management.

Negotiating identity: backstage self

The way we present ourselves when we believe there is no audience to perform for (more authentic)

Personal Growth

a firm commitment to personal growth is an intentional process to improve our self-concept)

Use knowledge

Gain access to blind (to others) and unknown areas and acknowledge what information is hidden Johari Window (1969)

Disclose

Self-disclosure has risks (rejection, harming others) and benefits (building trust, affirmation, respect)

Intentional environments

Don't self sabotage (negative self-fulfilling prophecies/repeating judgements), instead choose people and places that can help you, depending on your goals

all social perceptions are

learned

if you acknowledge social perceptions

they are there, and can’t be ignored

Examples Chronemics

speed during presentation, punctuality in meeting, and response time to text

Examples of Kinesics

during a job interview, expressing disagreement, and greeting an old friend

Examples of haptics

comforting a friend or professional handshake

Examples of Proxemics

seating preferences or approaching a stranger