3. Verbal & Non Verbal Communication Flashcards
What are symbols?
Arbitrary representations of something else (not directly connected to referent). Not all symbols are linguistic
What is language?
Language is made up of symbols. All language
What are 3 features of language/symbols?
1) Arbitrary (no inherent correspondence to referents. Certain terms only seem right because the society uses them in a particular way)
2) Ambiguity (no clear cut, precise meanings - range of meanings)
3) Abstraction (symbols “stand” for things but are not things they represent)
How does language create meaning?
1) defining & evaluating phenomena (using labels and values)
2) organising experiences - we place people into categories, and that influences how we interpret them & their communication
3) inviting higher level thinking & reflection - words give form to ideas
4) defining relationship
What is totalising?
Responding to a person as if one label totally represents a person (only seeing a person by that trait)
What is labelling?
Identifying a person by certain traits
What is stereotyping?
Associating a group of people to certain traits
What is non-verbal communication?
All aspects of communication that involves things other than words. Also involves symbols like verbal communication
What are the 2 processes of non verbal communication?
1) encoding - using non-verbal symbols to create meaning
2) assigning meaning to non-verbal symbols
What are 6 characteristics of Non-verbal communication?
1) interacts with verbal communication
2) regulated interactions (indicates start, end & pause)
3) ambiguous (culturally dependent)
4) has relationship-level meanings
5) less controlled by a person (e.g. blushing, sweating)
6) reflects culture
What are 5 exotic types of non-verbal communication
1) Olfactics - perception of smell
2) artifacts - personal objects
3) proxemics - personal space
4) paralanguage - vocal qualities
5) silence
