PART 1: My girlfriend and I did this assignment together. First, I was to use no symbolic language. I found this to be difficult. I have been programmed to use body language along with spoken language. She had a hard time figuring out what I was talking about in our conversation with one another. It’s even hard to stick to the assignment because of laughter outbursts, because of the awkwardness of the whole situation. We had to make up a system of communication not previously know to us. This was fun, but we still hit walls and she didn’t have a good idea of what I was trying to say to her. Communication without symbolic language is difficult. Had we been two different cultures meeting for the first time, I would think that she would have the ultimate advantage of communicating complex ideas. I would only imagine that the symbolic culture would look down and have a sense of power over the “lesser” culture whom only uses body language along with grunts. I myself see this everyday in our culture. Hispanic people have a slight language barrier with English speaking individuals and I see the harsh treatment, and the rude things people say about them. It’s a misfortunate clash of cultures that really limits our growth as humans to grow beyond the language and culture barriers we encounter day to day.
PART 2: Once again I found the use of just speech and no body language hard, because of the fact that I have been influenced by body, facial, hand, and head language since my birth. You can smile which shows lack of emotion. So now I have become emotionless and dull. What’s the point of speech without passion? My monotone communication has been a boring process for my girlfriend and her attention was soon lost. She felt disconnected with me and I felt like a boring person. I think speech can’t lack any element in its execution otherwise there will be “a failure to communicate!” There are indeed people who cannot read body language: the blind. Most people don’t judge the blind and treat them like crap, but from the blind mans point of view, yes there is a huge communication barrier. They cannot see the tone they are trying to set. Irritation, urgency, exaggeration, and many more emotions are set forth through body and physical gestures. I found both experiments equally hard, frustrating, and some what useless in the attempt to properly communicate with one another.
Nice job Ash. I found it funny that you and your girlfriend did this together because I knew my girlfriend would get frustrated and walk away from me, so I chose otherwise. I guess you are a lucky man! I actually did my conversation in a group of 3 and found that the other 2 tended to just leave me out of the conversation and talk amongst themselves. And I also agree with your comment that hispanics have a hard time with the language barrier. But adversely when hispanics talk amongst themselves I cant help but wonder if they are talking about me. I've always wanted to learn spanish just for this reason alone!
ReplyDeleteHey Ash,
ReplyDeleteI love how you pointed out that you felt emotionless when you could not use any form of symbolic language! I felt that way too! I also felt like with not showing emotion that I was coming off completely standoffish. I also really like how you talk about blind people and their barrier for communication. It is absolutely true that they cannot see their own body language and how they are coming off. I would find that to be extremely difficult!
Great discussion on the cultural aspects of language barriers. Why do you think people respond in a derogatory way to those who don't speak their language? Is it just American's who do this (i.e., the "Ugly American" situation) or do you think all cultures do that? Why?
ReplyDeleteL. Rodriguez:
ReplyDeleteThats hard to say. I'd like to believe that it's universal, but I think it might just be the "Ugly American" way. Most people outside of the US are cultured. Americans tend to think only one way, and treat others harshly if they don't think on the same level. I personally think it's BS. Americans, and others that treat people poorly because of the culture barriers that seperate them, should take a good look at themselves and re-think their approach. I personally think it all boils down to ignorance. The unknown is scary, but I don't think it should influence hate. Once again this is purely my opinion!!