1. What is a formula? Is it different from a model? If so, how?
A formula is a statement expressing a fundamental truth or principle and a model is an abstract representation of processes that occur in the world, they have value and their limitations. A formula is different from a model in that the formula is a concrete truth that contains all the necessary ideas and a model simplifies things and does not contain all the facts like a formula does.
2. What is the Lasswell formula? How does it relate to Jakobson's model?
The Lasswell formula is:
Who?
Says what?
In which channel?
To whom?
With what effect?
This formula relates to Jakobson's model, Jakobson asks the same ideas but in other words:
(Jakobson's model is on the left)
An addresser or sender of a message: WHO is saying the message
The message or content: WHAT the person's message is saying.
The medium or contact: IN WHICH CHANNEL the person is saying the message
The addressee or receiver of the message: TO WHOM the person is saying the message to
The functions of the message: WITH WHAT EFFECT the person is saying the message.
3. Some communications scholars have attacked it. Why did they do so?
Many scholars have attacked Lasswell's formula because the formula makes the assumption that communications is always based on influencing receivers and having certain desired effects. Many different scholars believe that there can be communication that is not just based on persuading. There is phatic communication, for example, that is used to express emotion and not persuade.
4. Define "phatic" communication and give some examples of it.
Phatic communication is when people communicate their emotions rather than information. One example could be the sounds people make when they are eating something that they really enjoy, they make "mmm" sounds to express the emotion that they feel towards that food. Another example is the sounds people make on a rollarcoaster, they scream to show their excitement or fear. They do not use their scream intentionally for persuasion purposes.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chapter 10, Questions 1-4
1. List and define Jakobson's six constitutive factors involved in verbal communication.
Addresser: The person that sends the message
Message: The content that is sent by the addresser
Addressee: Receiver of message
Context: The circumstances in which the message is given
Contact: Channel in which message is sent
Code: The language that is understood by the addresser and the addressee
2. Define and explain the difference between "emotive" and "referential" functions.
The emotive function is how the addresser is expressing the message, the expressions they use and the emotions attached. This means how the addresser is telling the message, the way it is told, the body language, facial expressions, anything that expresses the message further than just the words
The referential function is how the message is being referred, "denotative" or "cognitive". The addressee must take that into account when listening to the message that the addresser is saying.
3. Scholes says there is a difference between a message and a meaning. Explain.
There is a difference between the message and the meaning because the person receiving the message might interpret the meaning differently then what the addresser intended the message to be.
4. How do the different codes people have cause problems for the mass media?
What Scholes states, the difference between a message and a meaning, comes into play here. The codes of the receivers are probably different then the codes of the senders. The people that handle the media need to take this into account, and the receivers do not realize that they are receiving the message differently then what was intended. The advertisers must find a way to make their message easy to receive for people of many codes
Addresser: The person that sends the message
Message: The content that is sent by the addresser
Addressee: Receiver of message
Context: The circumstances in which the message is given
Contact: Channel in which message is sent
Code: The language that is understood by the addresser and the addressee
2. Define and explain the difference between "emotive" and "referential" functions.
The emotive function is how the addresser is expressing the message, the expressions they use and the emotions attached. This means how the addresser is telling the message, the way it is told, the body language, facial expressions, anything that expresses the message further than just the words
The referential function is how the message is being referred, "denotative" or "cognitive". The addressee must take that into account when listening to the message that the addresser is saying.
3. Scholes says there is a difference between a message and a meaning. Explain.
There is a difference between the message and the meaning because the person receiving the message might interpret the meaning differently then what the addresser intended the message to be.
4. How do the different codes people have cause problems for the mass media?
What Scholes states, the difference between a message and a meaning, comes into play here. The codes of the receivers are probably different then the codes of the senders. The people that handle the media need to take this into account, and the receivers do not realize that they are receiving the message differently then what was intended. The advertisers must find a way to make their message easy to receive for people of many codes
Friday, September 26, 2008
Chapter 8, Questions 1-6
1. How did E. B. Tyler define culture.
He defined culture as "a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, laws, custom, and any other capabilites and habits acquired by man as a member of society"
2. What changes would you make to this definition? How do you define culture?
I agree with Tyler's definition, it is very close to mine, his just is worded better. I define it as a society's beliefs, traditions, and art that are carried through the years.
3. If the unconscious imposes form on content, how do we know this?
It is how we explain how things happen that we don't know. It is a way of explaining the unexplained, in my opinion.
4. Why does Levi-Strauss argue that the forms imposed by the mind are universal?
Because Levi-Strauss believes that all the forms are fundamentally the same for everyone, through all time.
5. How can these forms be the same for all minds, ancient and modern, primitive and civilized?
Because he believes it is an unconscious structure that is underneath the customs adn culture that continues throughtout the years.
6. How can collective phenomena be unconscious? What aspects of life are covered by this notion?
Collective phenomena can be unconscious, when using that to describe culture, the advancement of culture throughout time is unconscious. In the book, it describes collective phenomena in culture and language.
He defined culture as "a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, laws, custom, and any other capabilites and habits acquired by man as a member of society"
2. What changes would you make to this definition? How do you define culture?
I agree with Tyler's definition, it is very close to mine, his just is worded better. I define it as a society's beliefs, traditions, and art that are carried through the years.
3. If the unconscious imposes form on content, how do we know this?
It is how we explain how things happen that we don't know. It is a way of explaining the unexplained, in my opinion.
4. Why does Levi-Strauss argue that the forms imposed by the mind are universal?
Because Levi-Strauss believes that all the forms are fundamentally the same for everyone, through all time.
5. How can these forms be the same for all minds, ancient and modern, primitive and civilized?
Because he believes it is an unconscious structure that is underneath the customs adn culture that continues throughtout the years.
6. How can collective phenomena be unconscious? What aspects of life are covered by this notion?
Collective phenomena can be unconscious, when using that to describe culture, the advancement of culture throughout time is unconscious. In the book, it describes collective phenomena in culture and language.
Chapter 7, Questions 1-6
1. What does it mean to say "the mind works through form"?
What this means is that everything we see is seen through a structure form, which is an unconscious action.
2. Claude Levi-Strauss believes the way the mind works hasn't changed over history. What do you think?
I think that the minds have changed over time and that the way they work can change as well. Over time, humans have evolved and I believe that the mind would evolve as well.
3. What is the role of paired opposites in the ideas of Levi-Strauss?
Levi-Strauss states that myths and language have no meaning when they are by themsleves, this is like the idea of opposites because you can not have a word without the opposite. We think in terms of opposites, without the word "dark" we would not know what "light" means.
4. Why do "seperate units" have no meaning in language?
Because we use context or knowing the place in the sentence to define a word and seperately there would be no meaning.
5. It is the way that myths are assembled that is crucial, Douglas asserts. Why?
Because the way it is assembled is vital when figuring out what something means.
6. Define structualism and explain its significance.
Structualism "analyzes phenomena in terms of their basic unit and the way these units are assembled". Which means it simplifies language to just the word, which is the basic unit, and looks at how the words are assembled and used to show the meaning.
What this means is that everything we see is seen through a structure form, which is an unconscious action.
2. Claude Levi-Strauss believes the way the mind works hasn't changed over history. What do you think?
I think that the minds have changed over time and that the way they work can change as well. Over time, humans have evolved and I believe that the mind would evolve as well.
3. What is the role of paired opposites in the ideas of Levi-Strauss?
Levi-Strauss states that myths and language have no meaning when they are by themsleves, this is like the idea of opposites because you can not have a word without the opposite. We think in terms of opposites, without the word "dark" we would not know what "light" means.
4. Why do "seperate units" have no meaning in language?
Because we use context or knowing the place in the sentence to define a word and seperately there would be no meaning.
5. It is the way that myths are assembled that is crucial, Douglas asserts. Why?
Because the way it is assembled is vital when figuring out what something means.
6. Define structualism and explain its significance.
Structualism "analyzes phenomena in terms of their basic unit and the way these units are assembled". Which means it simplifies language to just the word, which is the basic unit, and looks at how the words are assembled and used to show the meaning.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Chapter 6, Questions 1-7
1. How do restriced and elaborated codes affect people lives?
Whatever code that a person uses has an effect on their children. It effects how they develop and how they look at their future and the possiblities that they have.
2. What are the basic characteristics of restricted and elaborated codes?
Elaborated codes- have complez grammer, varied vocabulary, complex sentence structure, high level conceptualization, logical, meaning elaborated verbally and it is used in the middle class
Restricted codes- simple grammer, uniform vocab, simple sentence structure,low level of conceptualization, emotional, context shapes the meaning and is used for working class people
3. What positive attributes are connected to each code?
Restricted coded people have a simplistic perspective on life and "with a kind of present-mindedness that precludes long-range thinking"
4. How do language codes shape future behavior?
The codes shape how a person looks at the future and how they feel about it and how they socialize with other people. The code that you grow up with will most likely socialize with people of the same code.
5. Does this coding notion help explain the "culture of poverty"
Yes it does help explain. If the social workers that deal with it are speaking another language code, how could they fully understand and fully help with the issue at hand.
6. Which code did you parents speak when you grew up?
I think my mom spoke the elaborated code. She was more logic then emotion, her vocabulary was well developed and varied. She was also the middle class in society.
7. Do you think the mass media have affected the codes people learn.
I think that it could affect how people learn because we are surrounded by it everyday and we are constantly watching tv or reading a magazine.
Whatever code that a person uses has an effect on their children. It effects how they develop and how they look at their future and the possiblities that they have.
2. What are the basic characteristics of restricted and elaborated codes?
Elaborated codes- have complez grammer, varied vocabulary, complex sentence structure, high level conceptualization, logical, meaning elaborated verbally and it is used in the middle class
Restricted codes- simple grammer, uniform vocab, simple sentence structure,low level of conceptualization, emotional, context shapes the meaning and is used for working class people
3. What positive attributes are connected to each code?
Restricted coded people have a simplistic perspective on life and "with a kind of present-mindedness that precludes long-range thinking"
4. How do language codes shape future behavior?
The codes shape how a person looks at the future and how they feel about it and how they socialize with other people. The code that you grow up with will most likely socialize with people of the same code.
5. Does this coding notion help explain the "culture of poverty"
Yes it does help explain. If the social workers that deal with it are speaking another language code, how could they fully understand and fully help with the issue at hand.
6. Which code did you parents speak when you grew up?
I think my mom spoke the elaborated code. She was more logic then emotion, her vocabulary was well developed and varied. She was also the middle class in society.
7. Do you think the mass media have affected the codes people learn.
I think that it could affect how people learn because we are surrounded by it everyday and we are constantly watching tv or reading a magazine.
Chapter 5, Questions 1-6
1. What does Culler mean when he says "society is the primary reality"?
Culler discusses that there is the "social reality" meaning that this is the reality of humans interacting with other humans and the behavior that goes on during the interaction and these must be interpreted.
2. How can society "precede" the individuals? Is this the chicken and egg arguement?
Culler argues that there can not be individuals with society, first there society and individuals need this in order to live. We as society only know about the idea of individual because that is what we are taught, we are not born with the need to be individuals. I think that this is like the chicken and egg argument, because it is argueing what came first. Were there individuals first and then society; did the chicken come first and then the egg?
3. Why isn't society the result of individual behavior?
Because in society, there is a common behavior in the group, therefore society can never be the result of individual behavior because if everyone was an individual then ther could never be a society.
4. What is the underlying basis of the science of semiotics for Culler?
The underlying basis is the importance of a society. Society is necessary in order to understand what the different signs mean.
5. Is it correct to say that the single individual doesn't think? Explain why or why not.
Going from the readings, this statement would be true. In the after readings, when discussing the possibilities of an individual states "Thus, the idea of the 'self-made' man or woman, completely independent of society, is an illusion (that is, false notion) that we learn from the only place we learn it, from society". So people may think they are individuals but society taught them this, they did not think this on their own.
6. Why is the notion of the "self-made man/woman" an illusion? What does de Tocqueville say?
It is an illusion because we are taught the idea of individual from society, there is no "self-made" individual without the help from society. De Tocqueville stated "Individualism proceeds the erroneous judgement more then from depraved feelings; it originates as much in deficiencies of mind as in perversity of heart"
I think he is saying that individualism is not an illusion.
Culler discusses that there is the "social reality" meaning that this is the reality of humans interacting with other humans and the behavior that goes on during the interaction and these must be interpreted.
2. How can society "precede" the individuals? Is this the chicken and egg arguement?
Culler argues that there can not be individuals with society, first there society and individuals need this in order to live. We as society only know about the idea of individual because that is what we are taught, we are not born with the need to be individuals. I think that this is like the chicken and egg argument, because it is argueing what came first. Were there individuals first and then society; did the chicken come first and then the egg?
3. Why isn't society the result of individual behavior?
Because in society, there is a common behavior in the group, therefore society can never be the result of individual behavior because if everyone was an individual then ther could never be a society.
4. What is the underlying basis of the science of semiotics for Culler?
The underlying basis is the importance of a society. Society is necessary in order to understand what the different signs mean.
5. Is it correct to say that the single individual doesn't think? Explain why or why not.
Going from the readings, this statement would be true. In the after readings, when discussing the possibilities of an individual states "Thus, the idea of the 'self-made' man or woman, completely independent of society, is an illusion (that is, false notion) that we learn from the only place we learn it, from society". So people may think they are individuals but society taught them this, they did not think this on their own.
6. Why is the notion of the "self-made man/woman" an illusion? What does de Tocqueville say?
It is an illusion because we are taught the idea of individual from society, there is no "self-made" individual without the help from society. De Tocqueville stated "Individualism proceeds the erroneous judgement more then from depraved feelings; it originates as much in deficiencies of mind as in perversity of heart"
I think he is saying that individualism is not an illusion.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Chapter 2, Questions 1-6
1. How does Saussure define a sign?
Saussure defines a sign by the concept/idea and a "sound-image". Meaning, when you look at a sign, a street sign for example, you get the mental image of what the sign is telling you through an image.
2. What is the relationship that exists between a signifier and a signified?
Saussure uses the words "signifier" and "signified" to replace the words "concept" and "sound-image". These two indicate the opposition hat seperates them and from everything else. This is based on convention, the meaning that society gives it, can be changed.
3. Explain Saussure's statement that "concepts are purely differential".
I think that he means that concepts are unlike any other concepts and are defined by what they are not like, and they are not alike to other concepts.
4. What does Saussure mean when he says "in language there are only differences"
Throughout this whole reading Saussure is constantly relating everything back to "different" and "differences". I think that he is saying language is different for basically the same reasons for the others. I've tried looking for where he is saying this exact quote but since I can not find it I have to figure it out on my own. There are different concepts and ideas in language, there are different ways we use the language and there are different languages all together.
5. What is the difference between language, speech and parole?
Language- Language is a social institution, we use it to communicate.
Speech- Speech is both a social institution and an individual institution
Parole- Parole is speaking is is purely an individual institution
6. Is what you are wearing today language, speech or parole? explain your choice.
My outfit right now is parole. I'm in the library after a long day of classes and I changed into my comfortable sweatpants and I'm not dressing to impress other people, I am dressing so I can be comfortable while doing homework.
Saussure defines a sign by the concept/idea and a "sound-image". Meaning, when you look at a sign, a street sign for example, you get the mental image of what the sign is telling you through an image.
2. What is the relationship that exists between a signifier and a signified?
Saussure uses the words "signifier" and "signified" to replace the words "concept" and "sound-image". These two indicate the opposition hat seperates them and from everything else. This is based on convention, the meaning that society gives it, can be changed.
3. Explain Saussure's statement that "concepts are purely differential".
I think that he means that concepts are unlike any other concepts and are defined by what they are not like, and they are not alike to other concepts.
4. What does Saussure mean when he says "in language there are only differences"
Throughout this whole reading Saussure is constantly relating everything back to "different" and "differences". I think that he is saying language is different for basically the same reasons for the others. I've tried looking for where he is saying this exact quote but since I can not find it I have to figure it out on my own. There are different concepts and ideas in language, there are different ways we use the language and there are different languages all together.
5. What is the difference between language, speech and parole?
Language- Language is a social institution, we use it to communicate.
Speech- Speech is both a social institution and an individual institution
Parole- Parole is speaking is is purely an individual institution
6. Is what you are wearing today language, speech or parole? explain your choice.
My outfit right now is parole. I'm in the library after a long day of classes and I changed into my comfortable sweatpants and I'm not dressing to impress other people, I am dressing so I can be comfortable while doing homework.
Chapter 9, Questions 1-6
1. Define the following terms: metaphor, simile, metonymy, synecdoche.
Metaphor: based on analogy and similarity, when we speak of somthing in terms of another
Simile: Also an analogy, used to compare one thing to another
Metonymy: based on association, associating one thing to another, where one concept implies somthing else.
Synecdoche: Also an association, you use a word to represent something else.
2. Defend or attack the notion that our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphoric.
I agree with this notion, unknowingly we use metaphors everyday. We use it when we are communicating with people and when we think about something. It is an unconscious thing that everyone does.
3. Give some examples of how metaphor may affect everyday behavior.
When a man is thinking about a women that he desires, he might think in metaphors about her, or to her when he is writing her a love note.
4. What is a concept? How do concepts affect our behaviors?
Concepts are ideas and they could affect the way we think about something or someone, therefore affects our behavior towards it.
5. How can a sanke be both a metaphoric and metonymic?
A snake is often a metaphor for a penis and is also metonymic to the Garden of Eden.
6. Discuss the implications of specific metaphors. Find ones that are intersting.
We have to be aware of different metaphors because they could mean something important to our lives, and for communicating. For example the metaphor, the lawyer grilled the witness on the stand, implies that the lawyer is very tough and hard and will ask tough questions. Another example is, boiling mad, this implies that this person is extremely mad, not just a little but very very mad.
Metaphor: based on analogy and similarity, when we speak of somthing in terms of another
Simile: Also an analogy, used to compare one thing to another
Metonymy: based on association, associating one thing to another, where one concept implies somthing else.
Synecdoche: Also an association, you use a word to represent something else.
2. Defend or attack the notion that our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphoric.
I agree with this notion, unknowingly we use metaphors everyday. We use it when we are communicating with people and when we think about something. It is an unconscious thing that everyone does.
3. Give some examples of how metaphor may affect everyday behavior.
When a man is thinking about a women that he desires, he might think in metaphors about her, or to her when he is writing her a love note.
4. What is a concept? How do concepts affect our behaviors?
Concepts are ideas and they could affect the way we think about something or someone, therefore affects our behavior towards it.
5. How can a sanke be both a metaphoric and metonymic?
A snake is often a metaphor for a penis and is also metonymic to the Garden of Eden.
6. Discuss the implications of specific metaphors. Find ones that are intersting.
We have to be aware of different metaphors because they could mean something important to our lives, and for communicating. For example the metaphor, the lawyer grilled the witness on the stand, implies that the lawyer is very tough and hard and will ask tough questions. Another example is, boiling mad, this implies that this person is extremely mad, not just a little but very very mad.
Chapter 4, Questions 1-7
1. Why does Freud asserth that "no" doesn't exist in dreams?
The word "no" does not exist in dreams because Freud argues that dreams "reduce two opposites to a unity or to represent them as one thing". There can not be "no" in dreams because it will just do the opposite. For example, often there are dreams where a person is flying. Your mind will never say "no" to flying, it will do the opposite and let you fly.
2. How can a word have two meanings that are the opposite of one another?
Because we always associate the opposite with that word. In the book, it uses the example of dark and light. There can not be one without the other and we know that it is not dark when it is light, so we think the opposite of what that word means.
3. Freud says "conceptions arise through comparisons". Is that what Saussure argued?
Saussure argued something similiar saying, "in language there are only differences"
4. Do you think the iceberg model does justice to Freud's theories on the unconscious?
I do see how that model makes sense. About 90% of the iceberg is underwater and "in the dark" and in relating it to the unconscious we can visualize exactly how much of that is in our minds that we do not use. And this large chunck shapes what we do and our behaviors. So in visualizing all that I think the iceberg model works. But I don't know if it does justice because when I think of icebergs I think of melting and when associating that to my mind, it makes me think that my mind will eventually melt away.
5. What is meant by "reaction formation"?
Like in dreams, we dream opposites, the same goes for emotions. The reaction formation is a defense mechanism is when we express an emotion by feeling the opposite feeling. The example given in the book deals with "love" and "hate".
Which is where I think that is where they got the saying, "love/hate relationships", you feel one thing and show the other.
6. Are most people in the United States dominated by their ids or superegos? Defend your answer.
I think that most people are dominated by their ids. The id represents desire and lust. People by nature are very lustful, they see somthing they want and they go after it without thinking at first the consequence of their actions. Another example could be that many people desire to be successful and go up the work chain, so they use that, and it sometimes takes over how they think.
7. When is a cigar only a cigar?
When people do not see it as a sexual reference and see it as somthing that people smoke from. It is a cigar when you think it is and is not when you do not.
The word "no" does not exist in dreams because Freud argues that dreams "reduce two opposites to a unity or to represent them as one thing". There can not be "no" in dreams because it will just do the opposite. For example, often there are dreams where a person is flying. Your mind will never say "no" to flying, it will do the opposite and let you fly.
2. How can a word have two meanings that are the opposite of one another?
Because we always associate the opposite with that word. In the book, it uses the example of dark and light. There can not be one without the other and we know that it is not dark when it is light, so we think the opposite of what that word means.
3. Freud says "conceptions arise through comparisons". Is that what Saussure argued?
Saussure argued something similiar saying, "in language there are only differences"
4. Do you think the iceberg model does justice to Freud's theories on the unconscious?
I do see how that model makes sense. About 90% of the iceberg is underwater and "in the dark" and in relating it to the unconscious we can visualize exactly how much of that is in our minds that we do not use. And this large chunck shapes what we do and our behaviors. So in visualizing all that I think the iceberg model works. But I don't know if it does justice because when I think of icebergs I think of melting and when associating that to my mind, it makes me think that my mind will eventually melt away.
5. What is meant by "reaction formation"?
Like in dreams, we dream opposites, the same goes for emotions. The reaction formation is a defense mechanism is when we express an emotion by feeling the opposite feeling. The example given in the book deals with "love" and "hate".
Which is where I think that is where they got the saying, "love/hate relationships", you feel one thing and show the other.
6. Are most people in the United States dominated by their ids or superegos? Defend your answer.
I think that most people are dominated by their ids. The id represents desire and lust. People by nature are very lustful, they see somthing they want and they go after it without thinking at first the consequence of their actions. Another example could be that many people desire to be successful and go up the work chain, so they use that, and it sometimes takes over how they think.
7. When is a cigar only a cigar?
When people do not see it as a sexual reference and see it as somthing that people smoke from. It is a cigar when you think it is and is not when you do not.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Words
One word that has played an important role in history is the word, revolutionary. Throughout history there is constant change and revolution to new ideas, movements or government, for example the Revolutionary War, revolutions in culture (the modern art movement).
One word that has played an important role in my life is the word, acceptance. I've had to learn how to accept different and extreme changes in my life and also the smaller acceptances that may not drastically change my life but something that I need to accept happened or will happen.
Two words that the meaning has changed over time are the words, hoe and tight. Hoe used to mean a gardening tool, however today, the word is more associated to women who are slutty or "easy". The word tight used to refer to things that would be bound closely together and now people use that word to describe their relationship with another person, they would say that they are "tight" with their close friends.
One word that has played an important role in my life is the word, acceptance. I've had to learn how to accept different and extreme changes in my life and also the smaller acceptances that may not drastically change my life but something that I need to accept happened or will happen.
Two words that the meaning has changed over time are the words, hoe and tight. Hoe used to mean a gardening tool, however today, the word is more associated to women who are slutty or "easy". The word tight used to refer to things that would be bound closely together and now people use that word to describe their relationship with another person, they would say that they are "tight" with their close friends.
Chapter 3, Questions 1-5
1. Would it be better to celebrate "unbirthdays" rather than birthdays? If so, why? If not, why?
It would be better to celebrate birthdays because if "unbirthdays" could be celebrated 364 days of the year then after a while it will get old and boring.
2. Was Humpty Dumpty correct when he asserted that words mean whatever he wants them to mean?
I think that Humpty Dumpty is partially right because words can take on other meanings but there should also be core words where the meaning never changes, otherwise if all words can mean whatever each individual wants then it would be hard keeping track of what each word means.
3.What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Connotations are words that are associtated with words that have a primary meaning and denotation is the direct meaning of a word.
4. Are the dictionary makers "masters" of what words mean? Defend your answer.
In a way they are because when we want to know what a word means, we look it up in the dictionary and stand by what the dictionary says is a meaning for a word.
5. If words could mean whatever we wanted them to mean, could we communicate with others?
It would be extrememly hard to communicate with others if the words meant what we wanted them to mean because your definition for one word could be completely different then someone elses. It would also make it harder to translate words from one language to another because on top of being in a different language there would be different meanings to each word.
It would be better to celebrate birthdays because if "unbirthdays" could be celebrated 364 days of the year then after a while it will get old and boring.
2. Was Humpty Dumpty correct when he asserted that words mean whatever he wants them to mean?
I think that Humpty Dumpty is partially right because words can take on other meanings but there should also be core words where the meaning never changes, otherwise if all words can mean whatever each individual wants then it would be hard keeping track of what each word means.
3.What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Connotations are words that are associtated with words that have a primary meaning and denotation is the direct meaning of a word.
4. Are the dictionary makers "masters" of what words mean? Defend your answer.
In a way they are because when we want to know what a word means, we look it up in the dictionary and stand by what the dictionary says is a meaning for a word.
5. If words could mean whatever we wanted them to mean, could we communicate with others?
It would be extrememly hard to communicate with others if the words meant what we wanted them to mean because your definition for one word could be completely different then someone elses. It would also make it harder to translate words from one language to another because on top of being in a different language there would be different meanings to each word.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chapter One, Questions 1-5
1. What does it mean to say that language is a "game"?
Language is game because, like a game, language has rules and a fixed number of pieces.
2. If language is a game, does that mean that conversation, based on language, is a game?
Yes, for the obvious reason that we used language in conversation, but also because when we talk we use the rules that we learn.
3. What other definitions of language does Farb offer?
He points out the importance of language to culture and society because language plays a key role in communication.
4. Defend the assertion that speech is the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our community".
From speech alone we get other important parts of a community. For example,sciences, customs, arts and law, to name a few. Speech is a way for us to communicate and we use speech to communicate laws and customs/beliefs to others and carry it from generation to generation.
5. What are the attributes of a game? What implication does language being a game have?
The implications of language being a game implies that there are rules to follow, there is structure. It also implies that there are "winners" and "losers", people that know how to use the language to their advantage and those that do not. The attributes to the game include 21 consonants, 9 vowels, 4 semivowels, 4 stresses, 4 pitches, 1 juncture and 3 terminal contours.
Language is game because, like a game, language has rules and a fixed number of pieces.
2. If language is a game, does that mean that conversation, based on language, is a game?
Yes, for the obvious reason that we used language in conversation, but also because when we talk we use the rules that we learn.
3. What other definitions of language does Farb offer?
He points out the importance of language to culture and society because language plays a key role in communication.
4. Defend the assertion that speech is the basis of "all the other hallmarks of our community".
From speech alone we get other important parts of a community. For example,sciences, customs, arts and law, to name a few. Speech is a way for us to communicate and we use speech to communicate laws and customs/beliefs to others and carry it from generation to generation.
5. What are the attributes of a game? What implication does language being a game have?
The implications of language being a game implies that there are rules to follow, there is structure. It also implies that there are "winners" and "losers", people that know how to use the language to their advantage and those that do not. The attributes to the game include 21 consonants, 9 vowels, 4 semivowels, 4 stresses, 4 pitches, 1 juncture and 3 terminal contours.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Page 55, Questions 1-6
1. What does the author say about the differences between the ways mean and women use their bodies?
According to the author, Ruth P. Rubinstein, men use their bodies in a straight forward manner, they use it to manipulate, to show their strengths. Women have learned to use their bodies to show that they are delicate, soft and precious.
2. What is a gender script? How do these gender scripts function?
The gender script shows and identifies what expectations people have socially and appropriate behavior as it relates to sex/gender. The function is used to create two social categories, men and women.
3. What did Flugel say about clothes and sexuality? Do you agree? Justify your answer?
Flugel states that women use their fashion to make men want them for sex and that they can can be sexual and men's clothes are used to make women want them sexually. This is essential for the survival of the species because it makes sure that women and men get sexually excited with each other. I do not fully agree with this but I do see how it makes sense. We wear what we wear to look good to others, most of the time. And that is the basis of what Flugel is saying, we want to be attractive to the other sex, we want to be wanted. However I do not think that the survival of the human race depends on this, I'm sure men will want to have sex with women and vise versa no matter what we wear.
4. What did Laver say about the social spheres of men and women and dress? Do you agree? Explain.
Laver argues that there is a "hierarchy principle" to what men wear. What they wear puts them in a class system. On the other hand, women wear what we wear to make men want them sexually and therefore puts women in a status below men. I do not agree with what Laver argues. It is absurd to think that women are below men because of what we wear and is insulting to believe that all we want is to be wanted by men.
5. How is fashion "collective behavior"?
Fashion is a collective behavior because it is something that society as a whole follows and looks at. Trends become trends for that reason
6. What is the irony of fashion?
Even if you do not want to follow fashion or stand out, you are forced to, otherwise you stand out because you are not following the fashion trends of that time.
According to the author, Ruth P. Rubinstein, men use their bodies in a straight forward manner, they use it to manipulate, to show their strengths. Women have learned to use their bodies to show that they are delicate, soft and precious.
2. What is a gender script? How do these gender scripts function?
The gender script shows and identifies what expectations people have socially and appropriate behavior as it relates to sex/gender. The function is used to create two social categories, men and women.
3. What did Flugel say about clothes and sexuality? Do you agree? Justify your answer?
Flugel states that women use their fashion to make men want them for sex and that they can can be sexual and men's clothes are used to make women want them sexually. This is essential for the survival of the species because it makes sure that women and men get sexually excited with each other. I do not fully agree with this but I do see how it makes sense. We wear what we wear to look good to others, most of the time. And that is the basis of what Flugel is saying, we want to be attractive to the other sex, we want to be wanted. However I do not think that the survival of the human race depends on this, I'm sure men will want to have sex with women and vise versa no matter what we wear.
4. What did Laver say about the social spheres of men and women and dress? Do you agree? Explain.
Laver argues that there is a "hierarchy principle" to what men wear. What they wear puts them in a class system. On the other hand, women wear what we wear to make men want them sexually and therefore puts women in a status below men. I do not agree with what Laver argues. It is absurd to think that women are below men because of what we wear and is insulting to believe that all we want is to be wanted by men.
5. How is fashion "collective behavior"?
Fashion is a collective behavior because it is something that society as a whole follows and looks at. Trends become trends for that reason
6. What is the irony of fashion?
Even if you do not want to follow fashion or stand out, you are forced to, otherwise you stand out because you are not following the fashion trends of that time.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Page 53, Questions 1-7
1. List and discuss the areas of facial exressions give information about.
The five areas where facial expressions give information about are, affective state, cognitive state, temperment and personality, truthfulness and psychopathology. The first one, affective state, shows a persons emotions such as anger, happiness and fear. Cognitice state facial expression show if a person is concentrating and listening or if they are bored. The third area, temperment and personality, is the social area that reveals hostility or shyness or sociability. Truthfulness, is self explainitory, it reveals if what the person is saying or doing is the truth or if it is false. The fifth and final area, psychopathology shows diagnostic information to severe disorders such as depression or schizophrenia and also the treatment to these disorders.
2. How do poker players deal with the problem of facial expression giving away informaion?
They wear sunglasses to hide their eyes.
3. Research what has been found about which muscles express which emotion in the face.
According to the website, www.members.aol.com/attic21/anatomy/muscles1.htm, The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls the muscles used for expression. The different muscles that are involved with this are zygomaticus, corrugator, frontalis, buccinator, orbicularis, depessor labii inferioris, risorius and orbicularis oris.
4. Why do we feel emotions when we are watching performers pretend to feel things in texts?
We as the viewers are reading the faces and the messages sent by the actors. We feel the intended message by their body language, facial expressions, clothes, their use of the language. That is why if the the performer is bad and we can not read the intended message, we do not feel that emotion.
5. Do you think any facial expressions are universal? If so, which ones? Justify your position.
I believe that there are some facial expressions that are universal. For example, the expressions of happiness, sadness, anger and fear are universal. I have not traveled to another country to see this first hand but when I am watching news coverage of other countries, I can see their face expressions and when there is a joyous event I can see the happiness on their face. Or if there was a tragedy, I can see the saddness in their face.
6. Any facial expressions gender specific? If so, which ones? Explain your answer.
No, I do not think that certain facial expressions are gender specific, because that would mean that there are certain feelings that ONLY men feel or ONLY women feel and that is not true.
7. If we can automate reading facial expressions, do you think that will be good or bad?
I think that it would be a very good thing. It could be used in many areas, including the justice system and at times of war. They could read if a suspect is guilty or lying about something, it would save time and energy not to spend hours interviewing them. During war, they could find out where enemy weapons are. It could even be used in everyday life, people could use it to find good honest people to be around.
The five areas where facial expressions give information about are, affective state, cognitive state, temperment and personality, truthfulness and psychopathology. The first one, affective state, shows a persons emotions such as anger, happiness and fear. Cognitice state facial expression show if a person is concentrating and listening or if they are bored. The third area, temperment and personality, is the social area that reveals hostility or shyness or sociability. Truthfulness, is self explainitory, it reveals if what the person is saying or doing is the truth or if it is false. The fifth and final area, psychopathology shows diagnostic information to severe disorders such as depression or schizophrenia and also the treatment to these disorders.
2. How do poker players deal with the problem of facial expression giving away informaion?
They wear sunglasses to hide their eyes.
3. Research what has been found about which muscles express which emotion in the face.
According to the website, www.members.aol.com/attic21/anatomy/muscles1.htm, The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls the muscles used for expression. The different muscles that are involved with this are zygomaticus, corrugator, frontalis, buccinator, orbicularis, depessor labii inferioris, risorius and orbicularis oris.
4. Why do we feel emotions when we are watching performers pretend to feel things in texts?
We as the viewers are reading the faces and the messages sent by the actors. We feel the intended message by their body language, facial expressions, clothes, their use of the language. That is why if the the performer is bad and we can not read the intended message, we do not feel that emotion.
5. Do you think any facial expressions are universal? If so, which ones? Justify your position.
I believe that there are some facial expressions that are universal. For example, the expressions of happiness, sadness, anger and fear are universal. I have not traveled to another country to see this first hand but when I am watching news coverage of other countries, I can see their face expressions and when there is a joyous event I can see the happiness on their face. Or if there was a tragedy, I can see the saddness in their face.
6. Any facial expressions gender specific? If so, which ones? Explain your answer.
No, I do not think that certain facial expressions are gender specific, because that would mean that there are certain feelings that ONLY men feel or ONLY women feel and that is not true.
7. If we can automate reading facial expressions, do you think that will be good or bad?
I think that it would be a very good thing. It could be used in many areas, including the justice system and at times of war. They could read if a suspect is guilty or lying about something, it would save time and energy not to spend hours interviewing them. During war, they could find out where enemy weapons are. It could even be used in everyday life, people could use it to find good honest people to be around.
Page 50, Questions 1-5
1. Define "nonverbal" communication. How does it differ from verbal communication?
Nonverbal communication is our facial expressions, our movements (body and hand movements), our posture and gestures.
2. What are the three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed nonverbally?
The three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed nonverbally are, like-dislike, potency or status, and responsiveness.
3. Can you think of other dimensions that might be expressed nonverbally?
Another dimension could be our interest in another thing or in someone. Our body language shows if we are truely interested.
4. Why do we trust body language and facial expressions more than verbal messages?
We trust body language and facial expressions more because it reveals the truth. If our nonverbal signs contradict what we are saying verbally then people lose trust in the things we say verbally.
5. Why do we react in certain ways to visual stimuli?
We react certain ways because it either, attracts our interest or it is one of those "built-in tendencies" to react in a certain way.
Nonverbal communication is our facial expressions, our movements (body and hand movements), our posture and gestures.
2. What are the three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed nonverbally?
The three dimensions of human behavior that are expressed nonverbally are, like-dislike, potency or status, and responsiveness.
3. Can you think of other dimensions that might be expressed nonverbally?
Another dimension could be our interest in another thing or in someone. Our body language shows if we are truely interested.
4. Why do we trust body language and facial expressions more than verbal messages?
We trust body language and facial expressions more because it reveals the truth. If our nonverbal signs contradict what we are saying verbally then people lose trust in the things we say verbally.
5. Why do we react in certain ways to visual stimuli?
We react certain ways because it either, attracts our interest or it is one of those "built-in tendencies" to react in a certain way.
Friday, September 5, 2008
To Be Verbal or Non-Verbal, That Is The Question
I think that non-verbal is more important then verbal. In my mind, non-verbal displays a person's true feelings, people can say something and feel the opposite. If we were relying on just verbal communication, you would never know if what they are saying is the truth or a lie. However, there can be some negatives to non-verbal communication, we can confuse a message that they are saying non-verbally as a different message. For example, a person could be shy and quiet, and people may confuse that as snobby or that they are not interested in other people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)