One concept I found interesting from the reading this week was Principle 4: People Construct Meanings in Interpersonal Communication. It discussed that meaning comes from how we interpret communication, and not just words and nonverbal behaviors. When two people communicate over time, they come to understand issues and feelings of the other person, and from that we can construct meaning. We are always assigning meanings, whether we are aware of it or not. Some examples the book gave included someone you’ve been dating asking for time apart, a supervisor that seems less open to conversation, and a friend that may turn down offers to hang out. The words may not have encoded meaning, but we will encode that in our minds. Meanings that we construct vary with different cultures. The book gave an example that Americans value conflict more than traditional Asians do. Meanings are also affected by ones predisposition. You’re more likely to not take something so hard if you’re in a better mood, versus if you’re in a bad spot in your life.
Dear Domsmcdee,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your input about bringing up some good points about people constructing Meanings in Interpersonal Communication. When I think of this lesson, I think of the meanings I have with certain people I know.
For example, My boss only bosses me around whenever I work, so I think of the meaning of my boss as a tool-user who does not want to waste time or treat me as an "I-You." communicator. Ever since my boss created that meaning into my head, I would always hate going to work and working for someone like my boss.
Thanks for sharing with the class though! Unfortunately, the meanings we make with people are things we live with in this world.
:(
-Jeff!