Part 1:
I found this experiment to be easy, because most times I am quiet while other people are talking. However, it was my husband that I experimented with, so it did become difficult; due to me wanting to converse with him. The impression of my husband proved to be easy to take for an extended period of time, because that is what he does anyway. However, it became more difficult as the conversation progressed, and he ran out things to talk about, since he is accustom to me replying back, and interjecting my opinions. He did continue the conversation, and finished the fifteen (15) minutes, but as the conversation proceeded, he used more hand gestures and his body language became fidgety. Both cultures have the advantage of communicating complex ideas. It is up to the cultures to find a way to communicate with one another, whether it be through: symbols, pictures, an interpreter and/or hand gestures. The culture that can organize and orchestrate this form communication would have the advantage. Symbols are key forms of communication in all cultures, but some more than others. Not being able to communicate through symbolism in some cultures would alienate some groups of people from one another. When languages are different, this causes a barrier between communication, but symbols connect cultures together, whether you speak the language or not. For example, some disabled people have a difficult time communicating to others; due to speech impediments, a condition that interferes with speech, and/deafness. For those that are deaf sign language is helpful and allows them to communicate with others. Speech impediments, such as stuttering can be corrected through speech therapy.
Part 2:
To my surprise, it was difficult to carry on a conversation without using hand gestures, body language, facial expressions, etc. I only lasted for about ten (10) minutes, but I found myself moving from side-to-side and looking for things to converse about. My husband was laughing at me, because he thought that it would be easy; until I talked him into trying it. He lasted about five (5) minutes, because his whole conversation involves him using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. He admitted, that it was difficult, and he did not realize that all those things made a difference when communicating. The use of "signs" in communicating is essential to effective communication. Hand gestures helps you get your point across, where facial expressions relay the message. "Signs" is what brings the conversation to life, and allow you to follow the points your party is trying to convey. There are people that have a difficult time reading body language. People in different cultures may have a problem reading a foreigners body language, because it is not the norm of their culture. For example, Muslim women are not permitted to look in the eyes of men. In Western Civilization, we were taught to look a person in their eyes when speaking with them. Being able to read body language is of great benefit. You can tell when a person is being deception or not telling the whole truth, by hand gestures and facial expressions. An environmental condition that not reading body language would be in cold places. In the process, of trying to stay warm would interfere and give false information from the body. For example, shivering and being unable to speak clearly could cause a miscommunication; due to extreme cold temperatures.
Part 3:
Yes, the experiment would have been easier; if I was allowed to write down, because I could convey the message that I was trying to get across. Not being able to speak was difficult, and made the conversation boring. It is not interesting to me, to listen to someone else talk without the luxury of being able to interject my opinions in the conversation. Writing would allow me to get my points across. Written language allows effective communication within societies. A culture that develops their own language and use it is a good thing. It is a way for everyone to communicate and understand one another. This keeps outsiders out of community business. This leads to the road of organizing within the community and/or tribe. Written language has allowed for people around the world to learn new languages, and effectively communicate with people from other cultures. Language connects us to other cultures, how they live, how we live, and understanding of one another. This opens the doors to global business.
Wonderful job on your blog post. I pretty much had the same thoughts about the experiment as you did. I also would have to agree with you on the fact that written language as a way for a culture to communicate and understand each others. I did not think about the fact that it can also be used as a "way to keep outsiders out of community business".
ReplyDeleteGood description of your Part 1 experiment.
ReplyDelete"Both cultures have the advantage of communicating complex ideas."
Keep in mind what "complex ideas" actually are. Could you explain Einstein's theory of relativity without symbolic language? Or Darwin's theory or evolution by natural selection? I couldn't and I suggest humans couldn't even do science at all without symbolic language.
Yes, those who are deaf are a fair representative of a population who don't communicate as is the "norm" in a population. Another example would be immigrant populations, who don't know the language of their new country. Think about how our immigrant population can be treated and the attitude toward those who don't speak the English language.
Good description of your Part 2 experiment, but did you read your husband's body language throughout the 15 minutes? What did it tell you about how he was feeling?
Beyond emotion, body language is also used by humans as a lie detector. If someone tells you something but their body language tells you something different, which do you believe, the words or the body language? We tend to not believe a person when their body belies their words, and think about how this helps people when interacting with others. This would help you figure out who to trust, who to work with, and who to avoid, very important pieces of information when living among others.
"People in different cultures may have a problem reading a foreigners body language, because it is not the norm of their culture."
Very good example. Ironically, this also answers your last question as well, as this describes a situation where it would better to not read body language when traveling to a new country, as the body language is likely to mislead you.
Communicating in cold climates would make it difficult to use and read body language, but that doesn't mean that the body language you could read would be unreliable. I wouldn't choose to avoid reading body language under those conditions.
In your final section, you seem to say two contradictory things:
"This keeps outsiders out of community business."
"This opens the doors to global business. "
Spoken language does the former. But as you explain, written language allows for others to learn a language and (as you also explain) opens the doors to better global communication.
And what about the benefit of recording history? The application of science, communication and dissemination of scientific ideas globally? Sharing and building upon gained information? Keeping records and validating facts and information through those records? Just think about how difficult it would have been for our population to not advance without the long-term benefits of written language.
Hello Melissa, it was interesting to read how the experiment went when you were going through it. I'd just like to add that although part one was still difficult talking with your husband, imagine how it would be if you were trying to communicate with a complete stranger. That is something I thought about after the experiment, which is why after all most of us are encouraged to speak another language other than English, or even learn Sign Language. Great post by the way it was fun to read.
ReplyDeleteRandy C.
I really enjoyed reading your post.It was interesting to learn how the experiment went for you. It looks like your husband understood the struggle of not being able to use hand movements to communicate. I am the same way, I 'speak' with hand motions and lots of facial expressions.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa. It's interesting that as the conversation progressed, your partner used more gestures and body language, almost like he was subconsciously mimicking your language style.
ReplyDeleteI like your response to the question of which culture would have the advantage of communicating complex ideas. You make a good point, that both cultures could come up with a way to express their ideas.
It's funny that your husband made fun of you for not lasting very long without making any body movements. It's a lot harder than it seems.
Hi Melissa! I think you did a great job on this blog post and on the experiment. I felt the same way during both experiments- the second one was way too hard for me as I am like your husband and use all the bodily motion that I can. I like how you addressed the other questions- the "Who would be at an advantage?" one and also your Part 3 was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteOveralll, I think you did a great job this week :) Bravo!