I am sure this concept has already been shared, but I needed to write about it and actually tie it in to some of the concepts that were mentioned in comments responding to my blog. The sapir-whorf concept of the foundation or nature of a person's language determines their thoughts. When I responded to the discussion questions about judging a person, I explained how judgement, to me, is a negative term. I received a few responses from others describing that judgement does not have to be taken in a negative context. Throughout my life, I was always taught that judging a person is not right and that you should not judge others. However, many people believe that judging does not have to be a negative thing, if it is done in a politically correct manner. If I were to look at the term judging in the linguistic foundation of my classmates, I would realize that judging can mean simply the same thing as developing an understanding of a person based upon their background.
Imagine this concept amongst different languages. I think of those I may interact with to whom English is a second language. Certain concepts or terms that I share or use in conversation can provide a completely different context for them.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Week 6 Discussion 2
The thought of men and women communicating differently depends on more than just gender. I think it depends on cultural background and upbringing as well. Through my experiences I have noticed that there are a few differences that are presentin the communication style of men and women. Women, generally speaking, have a more accessible sensor. They are able to adjust their tone and reactions more easily than men when interacting with other people. In addition, I think it is often more challenging for women to develop an effective tone to show control, while men may often find a challenge in demostrating emotion in their communication. Although, I do not think this always comes down to gender, but instead the personality and demenaor of the speaker which is oftened shaped by upbringing and cultural background.
Effective characterisics of a speaker in both men and women are not determined just by gender but by other contributing factors. I think it is more effective to look past gender and look at these other contributing factors when evaluating the presence of male and female speakers.
As I thought more about the differences in communication between men and women, I thought about different interactions and circumstances. As an example, I will share some thoughts in regards to parenting. For years there have been studies about different styles of parenting and a major part of parenting is their communication with their children. In most cases, one parent assumes the role of "bad cop" and the other assumes the role of "good cop". I don't necessarily think that gender of the parents plays a major role in who assumes what role, however in traditional homes I do believe that gender can effect the different topics that a parent will be more or less upset about. When I dug deeper and looked a communication of men and women within a family dynamic it was interesting. I would love to hear more thoughts from others on this particularly too.
Effective characterisics of a speaker in both men and women are not determined just by gender but by other contributing factors. I think it is more effective to look past gender and look at these other contributing factors when evaluating the presence of male and female speakers.
As I thought more about the differences in communication between men and women, I thought about different interactions and circumstances. As an example, I will share some thoughts in regards to parenting. For years there have been studies about different styles of parenting and a major part of parenting is their communication with their children. In most cases, one parent assumes the role of "bad cop" and the other assumes the role of "good cop". I don't necessarily think that gender of the parents plays a major role in who assumes what role, however in traditional homes I do believe that gender can effect the different topics that a parent will be more or less upset about. When I dug deeper and looked a communication of men and women within a family dynamic it was interesting. I would love to hear more thoughts from others on this particularly too.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week 6 Discussion 1
The term “judgement”, in my opinion, can be a harsh word. I think that we subconsciously always identify a person upon getting to know them. Once we perceive a person, we attempt to understand aspects of their background or lifestyle through their mannerisms, communication style and maybe even their appearance. In most cases my initial perception of a person allows me fine tune my communication style and find a common ground with that person. I think that it may be possible to meet someone and not “judge” them, however to not categorize them to some degree may be more challenging. In most present day interactions, there is extensive diversity which allows an individual to communicate effectively with a person of any background. Therefore, we categorize a person to a certain degree to establish a common ground.
For those who consistently categorize those they communicate with, it is extremely important that any perceptions that they develop about another person are fair and subtle. There is only so much validity that can be present in a perception unless you know a person more than just a simple acquaintance or friend in passing.
For those who consistently categorize those they communicate with, it is extremely important that any perceptions that they develop about another person are fair and subtle. There is only so much validity that can be present in a perception unless you know a person more than just a simple acquaintance or friend in passing.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
