Verbal and non-verbal messages
Distortion of reality or pure reality transformed by
misused language?
Yes, language is as essential as air to breathe. And man
communicates with his whole body, not only with words. So when we are in a
place where it is not usual to speak or act in any way, we have to use the “chameleon”
technique (yes, I’m talking about the animal) and communicate in a versatile
and respectful way. We shouldn’t stop being who we are, or how we are
culturally formed. But use common sense to be respectful wherever we are.
In a report to Scientific American, Lera Boroditsky
quoted: "Around the world, people communicate using a dazzling array of
languages - about 7,000 in all - and each of them demands very different
conditions from their speakers."
Now talking about nonverbal communication. It is the
voice of our body. And when we are in another cultural area, not ours,
attention to this language is essential.
According to a research done by American researcher Ray
Birdwhistell, 55% of the message is transmitted via body language, voice is
responsible for 38% and words only 7%.
However, there are obstacles in the way of this reading. The study of the culture is of utmost importance for full communication.
Birdwhistell argues that "there are no universal gestures.
To be known, there is no facial expression,
no attitude or position of the body that has the same meaning in all societies."
Analyzing verbal rather than verbal communication, a recent example is the famous US presidential election.
To be more precise, the before, during and after was amazingly scary.
There have been verbal and non-verbal conflicts in all the candidates, and I am not generalizing,
just as I do not tend to pound the wound on the politics of each country.
But I'll share here an article that called my attention and made me finish my critical thinking blog,
by Paulo Tunhas:
"... but back to Trump and language.
t will, of course, change, as was entirely predictable.
It has already begun to change in the victory speech, and this will be the norm from now on.
On the night of the American elections I heard on German television a very wise proverb that exists for those bands.
Food is never eaten at the temperature at which it is cooked.
Trump's language will drop in temperature.
And with language, much of the rest is truly important.
Of course, none of this will prevent many, especially outside the United States, from speaking, with the customary delight, of "fascism."
Stupidity has a long life and its philosophy of language as well. But in each of its particular incarnations, it ends up being extinguished,
transitioning its enthusiastic potential to new objects."
I really appreciate all the different sources you mentioned. In particular I find it interesting how much of language happens with the body as appose to words. It makes me wonder how much I have said that I was unaware of. In regards to Trump cooling off like food I think that is a very good analogy. I actually agree and am surprisingly optimistic after the outcome.
ReplyDeleteRebecca S.
Thank's for you Feedback Rebecca S.!!!
DeleteYour chameleon imagery speaks to the need to be adaptable to, and respectful of, cultural differences without viewing difference as a deficit.I appreciate the additional sources used as well, especially Paulo Tunhas wisdom that "Food is never eaten at the temperature at which it is cooked. Trump's language will drop in temperature." I surely hope so. Many others are hoping so as well.
ReplyDeleteThank's Dr. Vernon!
DeleteHi Lizzy I am caught by your proverb that says food is never eating at the temperature at which it cooked. Language is very powerful, it can use powerful imagery to convey powerful messages.
DeleteI was really great to read your blog and know your input on this matter. I liked the part where you wrote about Lera Boroditsky and what she said, we do communicate in so many different ways, even if we can't speak a language, we can manage to communicate in a certain way. Each culture has different rules and demand that are different, and like you said we have to be ourselves, but respect other as well.
ReplyDeleteObrigada Ju!
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ReplyDeleteLísye thank you so much for this excellent blog!! The statistics you found, and the commentary from German television, were so interesting and informative. I also really liked your chameleon analogy! I really appreciated reading this!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love your reference to being a chameleon. What a great illustration of how we must adapt to fit the environment in which we find ourselves, communicating appropriately both verbally and nonverbally. Thank you for using this metaphor. It really helped me see communication in a different way than usual. I think it is important that we realize the culture we are currently a part of and act/speak accordingly, otherwise we seriously risk relationships. And sometimes, as is the case with global leaders such as the POTUS, that relationship doesn't just affect the two parties involved, but whole groups of people.
ReplyDeleteYour use of statistics and references took the blog to a new level. It shows that you went above and beyond. Thanks for the lessons. - Felecia
ReplyDeleteEven though “Trump’s language will drop in temperature,” it is my opinion that the damage has already done. The damage is seen in the protests by so many individuals. It is going to take more than dropping his temperature to repair this damage.
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