Language and Communication (W8) Flashcards
Why is language important, and what does the structure consist of?
Language is important and evolves with humans. It allows for communication, quickly and effieciently, to understand intentionality, and shared beliefs.
Language involves:
- Lexicon (words in a language).
- Syntax and Grammar (system of rules in a language, how to form words and sentences, etc).
- Phonology (how words sound).
- Semantics (meaning.
- Pragmatics (how it is used).
How does language differ across culture? What does this mean for self-construals?
Components (lexicon, syntax and grammar, etc) in language can differ across cultures, especially how one addresses themselves and others (self/other-referents).
Give an example of differed self-referents across cultures.
In English, we may identify more as ‘I’, ‘me’, etc.
Whereas in EA cultures, individuals are more likely to refer to themselves as part of a collective group, using ‘us’, and ‘we’ more often.
How does language, therefore, shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours?
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that speakers of different languages think differently because of the differences in language.
This influences thinking, and in turn, how we feel, and behave.
However, a study (Pinker, 1995) shows that thoughts can be formed without words or language.
Besides verbal language, what else can be used for communication?
Across cultures, languages may not be explicit in their meaning, and thus require body language (expressions, eye contact), vocal characteristics (tone, speed), or distance and touching behaviours to determine the meaning.
What are emblems?
Culturally specific gestures that convey meaning without words.
E.g., In EA we bow as a form of respect.
How might Gaze, Voice, Distance be interpreted?
Gaze: Direct eye-contact is seen as respect in Western culture, but can be seen as rude in EA culture.
Voice: Speaking fast = mad, and slow = softer and normal.
Distance: Closer = violation of privacy and space, maybe even creepy (for Westerners), but some cultures (Latin America, Middle East, etc) = more contact = closer.
What are some challenges with intercultural communication?
The message may not be interpreted clearly, and may result in assumption of similarities, misinterpretation, high anxiety or tension, conflict, stereotyping and preconceptions.
How to overcome these intercultural communication issues?
- Mindfulness: Aware of one’s own biases or preconceptions.
- Be aware of your own face when talking to others (emotion regulation).
