The book compares this perspective to playing a game. This makes sense to me because when people play games they take turns and follow a set of rules. The same thing goes for communicating. When people communicate, they don't typically talk at the same time. One person talks while the other person listens and then they switch roles. Communicators also follow a set of rules when talking. For example, people don't typically talk to people they don't know about religion, politics, and money. Those subjects are usually reserved for deeper conversations, not small talk. One difference between communicating and playing a game is that sometimes people don't always follow the rules or take turns while communicating. Sometimes people talk about inappropriate things or talk over other people. These people are typically frowned upon though.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Pragmatic Perspective
The pragmatic perspective is an interesting concept. The idea is to look at communication as a pattern of interlocking "moves." I think that it definitely makes sense to view communication as a patterned interaction. After all, when people communicate they follow rules and norms. Communication typically follows the same patterns. For example, when beginning a conversation, people typically exchange pleasantries and when ending a conversation they typically bid each other farewell.
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I also thought pragmatic perspective makes sense and holds truth. Good point, yes we do have patterns in communication and normally sign off the conversations with a farewell goodbye. Although sometimes conversations on the cell phones drop and people feel the need to call back to finish off the conversation and say goodbye.I liked your statement, " For example, people don't typically talk to people they don't know about religion, politics, and money." Yes, these are hot buttons and people normally stay away from it and focus more on surface/small talk. Yes, some people do follow their own set of rules and either people avoid them or maybe that person didnt realize their old habits. Sometimes, in a nice way, its best to stop someone in their tracks, it will only help them in the long run. Though, theres also a time and a place for that.
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