Purposive Communication

Lesson 1: Communication Process, Principles, and Ethics

Communication Meaning

  • Derived from Latin meaning shared belonging.

The Communication Process

  • Involves transmitting understanding from one participant to another.

Forms of Communication

  1. Oral: Verbal exchange of ideas.

  2. Written: Messages through written mediums.

Characteristics of Communication

  • Symbolic, irreversible, contextual, ethical, progressive.

Principles of Communication

  • Interpersonal communication is complex, contextual, and irreversible.

Ethics in Communication

  • Ethical communication enhances understanding, ensures respect, and manages personal boundaries.

Lesson 2: Communication and Globalization

Globalization

  • Primarily economic concept involving market integration with minimal barriers.

Impact on Communication

  • Influences both global and local communication dynamics enhancing understanding among diverse cultures.

Cross-Cultural Communication

  • Field studying how people from different backgrounds communicate both similarly and differently.

Communication Cues

  • Verbal: Interaction using words.

  • Non-Verbal: Interaction using behavior.

Impact of Communication in Society

  • Bridges racial divides and inspires individuals.

Lesson 3: Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language

What is Variety of Language?

  • Refers to any variant of a language distinguishable based on social, historical, spatial factors.

Varieties of English

  1. Inner Circle: Native speakers.

  2. Outer Circle: Second language speakers.

  3. Expanding Circle: Foreign language speakers.

Several Varieties of Language

  1. Pidgin: Developed for communication between speakers of different languages.

  2. Creole: A pidgin that becomes a community's first language.

  3. Regional Dialect: Variants spoken in specific geographic areas.

  4. Minority Dialect: Markers of identity for ethnic groups.

  5. Indigenized Varieties: Second languages in multilingual ex-colonies.

Register of Language

  • A variety used for specific purposes/settings.

Styles of Spoken Language Registers

  1. Frozen: Unchanging, often one-way communication.

  2. Formal: Professional writing and less personal.

  3. Consultative: Two-way participation with background information.

  4. Casual: Informal, relaxed communication.

  5. Intimate: Private vocabulary, non-public interactions.

Written Language Registers

  1. Formal: Professional writing (business letters, essays).

  2. Informal: Personal communication (emails, notes).

  3. Neutral: Non-emotional topics (articles, reviews).

Rules of Formal Written Language Register

  1. No contractions.

  2. Spell out numbers below one hundred.

  3. Use third person point of view.

  4. Limit passive voice usage.

  5. Avoid slang, idioms, and cliches.

  6. Use complete sentences.

  7. Write longer, complex sentences.

Importance of Communication Approaches

  • Varying approaches are necessary for effective communication, depending on the audience and context.

Lesson 4: Evaluating Messages and/or Images of Different Types of Text Reflecting Different Cultures

Linguistic Landscapes

  • Definition: Elements visible in the environment that express thoughts without words.

    • May include:

      • Billboards

      • Signage

      • Street names

      • Traffic regulations

Geosemiotics

  • Definition: The study of social meaning derived from the placement of signs in the world.

    • Signs include any semiotic system, such as language and discourse.

Kinds of Signs

  1. Regulatory: Indicates authority and prohibits actions.

  2. Infrastructural: Labels or directs maintenance of infrastructure.

  3. Commercial: Advertises or promotes a product, event, or service.

  4. Transgressive: Violates conventional semiotics (e.g., graffiti).

Cultural Text

  • Definition: Objects, actions, and behaviors that convey cultural meaning.

    • Example: A photo serves as both an image and cultural text, containing information that goes beyond just visual representation.

Four Main Qualities for an Effective Message

1. Simplicity

  • Ensure clarity in purpose and core message.

    • Questions to ask:

      • Is my purpose evident?

      • Is my core message clear?

2. Specificity

  • Choose language carefully to avoid ambiguity.

    • Questions to ask:

      • Is my language specific?

      • Is my language concrete rather than abstract?

      • Am I using words that may be misconstrued?

3. Structure

  • Organize ideas in an understandable manner.

    • Questions to ask:

      • Does my message have a clear structure?

      • Is there a more effective way to arrange my ideas?

4. Stickiness

  • Critically evaluate images used in presentations.

    • Steps for evaluation:

      1. Identify source.

      2. Interpret contextual information.

      3. Understand implications.

Media Literacy: Five Core Concepts

1. All media messages are constructed

  • Understand who constructed the message and for what purpose.

    • Guide Questions:

      • What is the message of the text?

      • How effectively does it represent reality?

      • How is the message constructed?

2. Media messages use a creative language

  • Each form of communication has its own rules and techniques.

    • Guide Questions:

      • What techniques are used, and why?

      • How effective are the techniques?

      • What are other ways of presenting the message?

3. Different audiences interpret messages variably

  • Each audience member's unique experiences shape their understanding.

    • Guide Questions:

      • What message do you perceive?

      • How might others interpret it differently?

4. Media embeds values and points of view

  • Messages can reflect biases based on choices made by the creators.

    • Guide Questions:

      • What values are represented?

      • Who or what is missing?

5. Most media are organized for profit/power

  • Media often aims to persuade for financial gain.

    • Guide Questions:

      • What is the text's purpose?

      • Who is the target audience?

      • Who might be disadvantaged?

Image Evaluation: "No Parking"

  • Identify the meaning and purpose of the image:

    1. What message is conveyed?

    2. What is the purpose of the message?

    3. How is the message conveyed?

    4. Who is the target audience?

    5. Other presentation methods of the message?

Application of Evaluating Messages/Images in Commercials

  • Example Commercials: ViVo Y81I and IntelliFresh Refrigerator

Key Concepts

  1. Media messages are constructed:

  • Message about product features and cost.

  • Effectively represents buyer inquiries.

  1. Creative language with rules:

  • Techniques used: highlighted important words and features.

  • Very effective in making advertisements catchy and convincing.

  1. Differentiated interpretations:

  • ViVo's message of affordability and quality may confuse some audiences due to terminology.

  1. Embedded values:

  • Products are presented as budget-friendly and summarized modern technology.

  1. Commercial interests:

  • Purpose: persuade consumers with affordability and quality.