Purposive Communication Midterms Lessons 3 & 4

Meaning

is culturally constructed.

Context shifts with culture.

The same word or gesture can carry a different meaning depending on the listener’s cultural background.

Generations add another layer.

Vocabulary and language barriers between generations make miscommunications even more likely.

Language Barrier

Different vocabulary and word meaning across cultures create confusion.

Personality Barrier

Individual style – directness, volume, formality – varies person to person.

Medium Barrier

The channel used to communicate can change how a message lands.

Cultural Barrier

Share beliefs and norms shape how words and gestures are interpreted.

Formal (Language Register)

Used in academic/professional writing; strict grammar rules (e.g., essays, business letters, reports)

Informal (Language Register)

Casual, used with people we know well (e.g., personal emails, texts, diaries, blogs)

Neutral (Language Register)

Non-emotional, fact-based; neither formal nor informal. (e.g., review articles, technical writing)

Joo’s Five Styles of Spoken English

Model of Spoken Register by Martin Joo (1961). It consists of Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual, Intimate.

Frozen Style

Unchanging, ritual language (e.g., Pledge of Allegiance)

Formal Style

One-way, no interruptions, technical vocabulary (e.g., presentations)

Consultative Style

Two-way, background info given, back-channel cues (e.g., teacher-student, doctor-patient)

Casual Style

In-group, slang, ellipsis, interruptions common (e.g., friends)

Intimate Style

Private, non-verbal, intonation over wording (e.g., family, close friends)

Written Words

Actual words in a book, article, or document, separate from pictures or notes

Digital Message

Short text message (SMS) sent from a mobile device

Original Wording

Exact words written by an author, rather than a summary or translation

Broad Communication

In literary and media studies, any object or work – like a film, song, or painting – that communicates meaning and can be analyzed.

Cultural Text

any object, action, behavior, or media that reveals the shared values, beliefs, and social customs of a society Unlike a traditional book or document, a text in cultural studies does not have to be written down. Anything humans create or do that carries readable meaning can be a cultural text (e.g., objects, actions, media).

Persuasive Text

To encourage/convince (advertisement)

Instructive Text

To instruct/command a procedure (user guide)

Informative Text

To inform using facts/steps (bulleting announcements, news)

Descriptive Text

To describe using sensory detail (personal letter about a vacation)