Chapter 2 Flashcards
What does it mean to say verbal communication is self reflexive?
Verbal communication has the ability to refer to itself. In this way verbal communication “reflex” itself.
-Example – “we need to talk”
Anytime we use verbal communication, we reflect ourselves. For example if I had a conversation about sports with a friend, then I am reflecting an aspect of my identity as a “sports fan”.
What does it mean to say that verbal communication exhibits displacement?
The term displacement tells us how language is abstract. Because we can use symbols to refer to things that are not physically or temporarily present, we can use them to refer to abstract ideas. Our ability to discuss ideas such as freedom, liberty, or spirituality is a direct result of this characteristic of verbal communication.
Concerning language and identity: what is avowal? What is ascription? How are these processes related to verbal communication?
Avowal – who I say am.
Ascription – who you say am.
These processes are related to verbal communication. Identity is an outcome of communication. We are who we are because of how we communicate with others. I can avow that I am an identity, but to actually hold that identity in a meaningful way in society, others would have to ascribe that same identity to me.
