Chapter 4 Topics for Discussion

  1. It has been said that we live in a symbolic universe made up not of physical things, but of things that can be talked about. Discuss this statement. Think of things important to you that do not have physical existence.
  2. In what kinds of communication situations is it most appropriate to use analogic messages? In what situations are digital codes a better choice? Try to think of instances in which using the wrong code could lead to interpersonal problems.
  3. During spoken communication the verbal code is always accompanied to some extent by the analogic. Think of situations where the two codes could contradict or compete with each other. How could this problem be avoided or solved?
  4. Have you ever been involved in a conflict that arose because of a disagreement in connotative meaning? What happened, and how did you resolve it?
  5. Proper names often have strong connotations. We associate them with certain physical and mental characteristics. Do the following names have associations for you? If so, describe your idea of a Leland, Mary Ellen, Justin, Bambi, Tad, Kristine, Jane, and Billy Joe. Do you like your own name? If you could change it, what would you change it to, and why? If you marry, will you be willing to change your last name to that of your spouse? (Men, answer this one too.)
  6. Discuss ways that your life script limits your communication. What kinds of talk would you avoid because such talk would say something negative about you?
  7. Think of several different groups of people. If you wanted to impress members of these groups, how would your language change? Are there episodes you would either avoid or try to enact for each of these groups? Are there certain speech acts that would be off limits for one of these groups but not for the others?
  8. What strategies do you use when you find yourself in a social situation with no rule sets to tell you how to act? How would you suggest a person go about developing rule sets?
  9. How can language be used to increase social solidarity and group cohesion? Give some examples. What is your reaction to this kind of language use?
  10. Do you believe that language can oppress groups within our culture? Why or why not? Are you in favor of making the kinds of language changes suggested in Table 4.1?
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