Key words (L&P) Flashcards
What lanaguage did Drew and Hestige say creates power?
Interactional Framework: Workplace communication follows certain
patterns and expectations, which can vary across different industries or
roles.
Specialised Language: Different workplaces often develop their own
jargon or specialised vocabulary that is unique to their field.
Asymmetry in Communication: Communication in workplaces can often
be asymmetric, where power imbalances influence how people speak to
each other (e.g., bosses vs. employees).
Workplace Culture: The use of language reflects the culture of the
organisation, and the way people communicate can be influenced by
factors like hierarchy, formality, and roles.
Backtracking
When you rephrase something: ‘I don’t – I think that…’
Jargon
Specialist words that belong to that profession e.g. Alibi
Simple sentence
Subject, verb, object e.g. I like cake
Minor sentence
A sentence with the subject/verb/object missing
e.g. ‘Coffee.’
Hedging
Phrases used to be vague e.g. kind of, maybe, you know.
Imperative
An order.
Aggressive humour
(H&S)
Used to assert dominance or criticize others, reinforcing social power.
Affiliative humour
(H&S)
Used to build connections and create solidarity, often to maintain or soften power dynamics.
Self-deprecating humour
(H&S)
Used by those in positions of
power to downplay authority and be seen as more
approachable, sometimes as a strategic way to enhance
power.
Humor as a Tool
(H&S)
Humour is not only a way to relieve tension but also a strategic tool for managing power relations, especially in professional settings.
Power Shifts
(H&S)
Humour can shift power in conversations, allowing those with less formal power to challenge more dominant figures or, conversely, allow those in power to assert
control in a more subtle manner.
Gender and Power
(H&S)
Holmes and Stubbe also suggest that humour usage in power dynamics is often influenced by gender—men and women may use humor differently based on their relative positions of power in social or professional contexts.
Cultural Context
(H&S)
The effectiveness and meaning of humour can vary greatly across different cultural contexts, influencing how power is asserted or negotiated.
Overall Contribution
(H&S)
Their work emphasises that humor is not a trivial or purely relational tool, but a powerful social mechanism for managing power in organisations and interactions.
