Communication

Communication Defined as the expression of messages –Ideas and feelings that people express and receive Generally broken down into two categories –Verbal – 20%-50% of messages –Non-verbal – 50% – 90%

Verbal Communication Verbal communication utilizes language –A system of written and spoken words Language is a SYSTEM –A group of elements working together –Elements grouped together are sub systems –Language sub systems are: SoundsWordsArrangements

Verbal Communication Language is symbolic –Something that stands for something else –WORDS stand for thoughts, feelings, etc. Language is conventional –Accepted by a large number of people Necessary to communicate with nations’ people Language is learned –Has a system of general principals that are learned

Verbal Communication –Children learn symbolic meanings first Daddy, Mommy –Once they learn a rule, they often generalize He walks to the grocery store He drinks milk Language changes –Changes are long and broad enough in adapting that people have little trouble recognizing changes

Verbal Communication How do they change? –Standard American English Rules and guidelines of the “King’s English” –Jargon Vocabulary that is used in a particular group or field –T.V. – soundbite, –Football – noseguard –Technology – motherboard

Verbal Communication –Slang Newly formed words –Nerd, hassle, bummer Old words used in new ways –Awesome, cool, tight –Dialect A regional or cultural variety of language that differs from SAE in pronunciation, grammar or word choice –Pronunciation – greasy, greezy, downtown, dahntahn –Grammar – you, yous, yinz –Word choice – pail, bucket, pancake, flapjack

Non-Verbal Communication Communication without using words Made up of cues (sounds of voice, inflections, body language, etc.) Four functions of non verbal communication – –To complement “That’s hilarious” laughing and body language complements expression of humor

Non-Verbal Communication – –To emphasize “Do it now!” tone and body language emphasize importance of message – –To replace shaking one’s head replaces the word “no” – –To contradict verbal message “Great haircut you got there” non verbal cues give clues that this is sarcasm.