Study Notes on Human Communication

Introduction to Human Communication

  • Definition of Communication: The exchange of messages and information among individuals through various forms, primarily utilizing language.

Sign Language

  • “Sign Language” by Spaynton, Wikimedia Commons is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

  • Different forms of communication, including speech and sign language, highlight the diversity in human interactions.

Ogden & Richard’s Triangle of Meaning (1923)

  • This triangle illustrates the relationship between words (symbols), thoughts (ideas), and objects (referents).

  • Components: Word ( \to ) Thought ( \to ) Object

Symbols in Communication

  • Qualities of Symbols:

    • Abstract: Symbols do not have direct connections to the objects they represent.

    • Ambiguous: Symbols can have multiple meanings depending on context.

    • Arbitrary: There is no inherent relationship between a symbol and its meaning.

Case In Point: Informal vs. Formal Communication

  • Example of Informal Communication: Texting a friend about meeting plans.

    • Text Version: “FYI… we’re meeting on Friday. Wanna go to the office party after? It's BYOB so bring w/e you want.”

    • Letter Version: “Ann, For your information, we are having a meeting on Friday, November 6th. Afterwards, there will be an office party. Do you want to go? It will be a Bring Your Own Beverage party, so feel welcome to bring whatever you like. Last year’s was so fun, your dancing made everyone laugh out loud! I hope to see you there, Tesia.”

Verbal Communication

  • Historically, effective verbal communication has played a crucial role in civilization.

Importance in History and Literature

  • Historical Documents:

    1. The Ten Commandments

    2. The Law Code of Hammurabi

    3. The Quran

    4. The Bible

    5. The Declaration of Independence

    6. Mao’s Little Red Book

Case in Point: Bush's Verbal Slip-Ups

  • Collection of notable verbal gaffes by former President Bush, illustrating the importance of clear communication:

    1. “Families is where our nation finds hope.”

    2. “I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.”

    3. “I hear there’s rumors on the Internets.”

    4. “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.”

    5. “You work three jobs? … Uniquely American, isn’t it? I mean, that is fantastic.”

    6. “Too many good docs are getting out of the business.”

    7. “They misunderestimated me.”

    8. “Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?”

    9. “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful.”

Learning Objectives

  • After this chapter, you should be able to:

    1. Define verbal communication and explain its main characteristics.

    2. Explain the three qualities of symbols.

    3. Describe rules governing verbal communication.

    4. Explain differences between written and spoken forms.

    5. Describe functions of verbal communication.

Birth of a Language Example

  • Nicaraguan Students:

    • Deaf children developed a new language due to lack of communication.

    • This discovery illustrates how communication forms can emerge when groups with no previous shared language come together.

    • Reaction from Adrien Perez, indicating the importance of verbal communication in expressing thoughts and emotions.

Defining Verbal Communication

  • Verbal Communication: An agreed-upon and rule-governed system of symbols used to share meaning.

Forms of Verbal Communication

  • Nonverbal Communication: Includes forms that do not rely on words, like gestures and body language.

  • Types of Verbal Communication:

    • Oral: Spoken interactions.

    • Written: Textual representation of language.

The Nature of Symbols in Verbal Communication

  • System of Symbols:

    • Meaning of Symbols: Arbitrary representations used to encode and decode thoughts and ideas.

  • Components of Symbolism:

    • Relationship between meaning and symbols is governed by agreed-upon conventions.

    • Ogden and Richards’ Triangle: Demonstrates how words relate to our ideas and the objects they refer to, emphasizing the importance of shared meanings.

Qualities of Symbols

  1. Arbitrary: No intrinsic connection to what they represent.

  2. Ambiguous: Can have multiple interpretations.

  3. Abstract: Words can represent complex ideas without being physical objects.

Example of Ambiguity

  • Case Study: “Can you go to the last slide, please?”

    • Ambiguity arises in interpreting whether the request is to view the previous slide or to skip to the final slide.

Rule-Governed Communication

  • Importance of Rules: Verbal communication relies on phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.

  • Phonological Rules: Govern pronunciation and sound relations in spoken language.

  • Syntactic Rules: Dictate how words can be arranged to form coherent sentences.

  • Semantic Rules: Help to differentiate between meanings of similar words.

  • Pragmatics: Address usage of verbal communication according to social contexts and expectations.

Connotation vs. Denotation

  • Connotation and Denotation Example: Differences in understanding words like “naked” versus “nude,” illustrating how context changes meaning.

Spoken vs. Written Communication

  • Differences:

    1. Formal vs. Informal: Spoken communication is generally more casual compared to written communication.

    2. Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: Spoken is real-time; written is not.

    3. Recorded vs. Unrecorded: Written forms can be archived; spoken forms typically are not.

    4. Privacy: Perceptions of privacy differ significantly between spoken and written forms.

Impact of Technology on Communication

  • New communication technologies have led to blurred lines between spoken and written forms, influencing how we communicate and understand contexts.

Case Study: Voicemail and Text Messages

  • Example discussing the advent of voicemail, which transforms spoken communication into asynchronous communication.

Challenges of Miscommunication

  • Referring to real-world consequences of misinterpretations, such as in the email correspondence case involving Epson and the publicized scandals involving text messaging.

Functions of Verbal Communication

  1. Defining Reality: Labels help identify and categorize personal experiences.

  2. Organizing Ideas: Facilitates coherent thought and understanding by categorizing experiences.

  3. Enabling Thought: Language shapes thought processes and memory, contributing to our cognitive abilities.

  4. Shaping Attitudes: Language influences how we perceive and react to the world.

    • Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Language shapes thought and worldview—individuals from different linguistic backgrounds may think differently.

Key Concepts Wrapped Up

  • Summary of Verbal Communication: Defined as rule-governed and symbolic, comprising distinct roles depending on context, along with exploring the intricate relationship between language, thought, and reality.

Discussion Questions

  1. In what ways do you define yourself?

  2. How do advances in technology impact verbal communication?

  3. How does popular culture impact communication?

  4. Are your communication styles more formal or informal when using digital forms?

  5. In what contexts is formal speech preferred?

  6. Discuss the relationship between language and thought.

  7. Share an example of misinterpretation due to lack of spoken intonation.

  8. Analyze variations in communication styles across different audiences (friends versus bosses).

Key Terms

  • Verbal Communication

  • Abstract

  • Ambiguous

  • Arbitrary

  • Synchronous

  • Asynchronous

  • Connotative Meaning

  • Denotative Meaning

  • Phonology

  • Pragmatics

  • Rule-Governed

  • Semantics

  • Syntax

References

  • Numerous scholarly articles and primary texts about the dynamics of verbal communication, reflecting on historical and contemporary implications of language in society.