Chapter 1: Communication Basics
An arbitrary sign used to represent a thing, person, idea, or event in a ways that make communication possible.
What is a symbol?
The part of our self-concept that involves evaluations of self-worth.
What is self esteem?
The language, values, beliefs, traditions, and customs shared by a group of people.
What is culture?
A collection of symbols governed by rules and used to convey messages between individuals.
What is language?
The study of touch.
What is haptics?
Proposes that communicators cocreate meaning while simultaneously exchanging messages within context of social, relational, and cultural expectations.
What is the transactional communication model?
The influence of others on one's self-concept.
What is reflected appraisal?
How much weight people attach to cultural characteristics in a particular situation.
What is salience?
Wording that makes vague references to people, objects, events, and experiences.
What is abstract language?
Listening to understand contextual and emotional components of a message while empathizing with the speaker.
What is active listening?
External, physiological, and psychological distractions that interfere with the accurate transmission and reception of a message.
What is noise?
A process in which people reach conclusions about others and the world around me.
What is perception?
The perceived gap between those with substantial power and resources and those with less.
What is power distance?
Wording that refers to specific people, behaviors, objects, or events.
What is concrete language?
The process wherein the brain recognizes impulses as sound and gives them meaning.
What is listening?
Scenario: Sarah finds herself rehearsing what she will say to her boss before their meetings. She also reflects on interactions and asks herself if it went well or not.
What is intrapersonal communication?
Scenario: Fred has a believe that he is not good at school. This belief greatly discourages him and he avoids studying because he feels it is useless.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Scenario: Mai and her team are working on a major project, and the deadline is approaching. Mai realizes that the team is behind schedule due to unexpected complications. In her culture, the emphasis is on the group’s success rather than individual achievement, and Mai is focused on helping the team work together harmoniously. Name the type of culture this represents.
What is collectivistic culture?
Specialized vocabulary used by people with common backgrounds and experience (more formal and enduring than slang).
What is jargon?
Scenario: Carlos and James meet in a conference room to discuss a potential business deal. This is their first time meeting in person after several virtual meetings. James assumes that Carlos will sit across the table from him but instead Carlos sits next to him. James is a bit uncomfortable because he prefers more personal space when he meets someone new and is at work. What term best exemplifies this scenario?
What is proxemics?
Scenario: John finds that he is able to achieve his professional goals through clear communication. He also is able to work through conflict and use communication well to maintain his relationships.
What is communication competence?
Scenario: Alex has been noticing that Taylor seems distant lately and hasn't been participating in team discussions as much as usual. Alex feels like Taylor might be upset about something. Instead of assuming, Alex decides to ask Taylor how they are feeling to avoid any misunderstandings.
What is perception checking?
Scenario: The team has been working on a product launch, and during a meeting, Hiroshi and Emma are discussing the next steps. Hiroshi tends to communicate indirectly, using mostly nonverbal cues. Name the culture Hiroshi's behavior best exemplifies.
What is a high-context culture?
What is dialect?
Scenario: Beth gets to class early and chooses a seat. Before she gets up to visit the bathroom, she leaves her backpack in her seat. She does this in hopes that someone will not take her spot. What terms exemplifies this behavior?
What is territoriality?