Language Experiment
Part 1: No Verbal, Written, or Sign Language
I found this experiment to be quite difficult pretty early on. I felt silly, like I was playing a game, and I also grew quite frustrated, not knowing how to communicate something that required words. We are so used to talking non-stop, that when we can not, it just feels ridiculous. When my partner was confused I wanted to just tell her what I meant, but I could not.
My partner in the conversation also had a difficult time, because it was basically a one-sided conversation. They could not really ask anything other than yes or no questions, because how could I really respond to anything else? They made this realization and the format of the conversation changed, the topics were limited and uninteresting. They found the whole situation very confusing and unsure of how to continue the conversation. I can imagine, for my partner, it was like speaking to someone who slightly understood your language but could not speak it at all. This made it a challenge to keep the conversation going for the whole fifteen minutes.
If my partner and I represent two different cultures meeting for the first time, my partner, who is able to speak has the advantage of communicating complex ideas. The speaking culture would have an irritated attitude towards the culture, me, that does not use symbolic language. In our culture if a person has a disability that effects their ability to speak or even an individual who has a different first language, those of us who can speak well and with ease, tend to speak to the individual in a slow and sometimes disrespectful manor. It can be frustrating for both sides. Another example is in high school I sat next to a girl in Art who was deaf. We always smiled at each other and I could just tell she was a nice person. I had to speak throughout her interpreter, however, as I do not know any sign language, and this was quite frustrating to me. I wanted to get to know her, but since I could not actually ask her the questions, there was a disconnect. I felt like I just could not truly get to know her.
Part 2: Verbal communication ONLY, no expressions/gestures
This experiment was difficult to keep a straight face. I could not help but want to laugh several different times, knowing I must look crazy. We did last the whole fifteen minutes, but not without difficulty. In addition, I, like many others, like to use my hands when I talk to put emphasis on items and also to show emotion through facial expressions, which helps define the feeling behind what is being said.
My partner thought I looked robotic. Speaking in monotone, it was extremely difficult for them to interpret the true meaning behind what was being said. This, again, led to confusion and frustration for her. While it was easier to communicate, it was boring and felt unimportant.
This experiment really showed me how crucial non-speech language is in communicating. Our tone and facial expression play a huge role in expressing how we feel. We take these for granted, and when those are taken away, meaning can completely be misinterpreted. In a way, this part of the experiment is like texting. When you are texting there is no way of telling the emotion or tone of the message sent. In order for the our message to get across effectively, there needs to be emphasis and emotion involved.I really had to work harder to let my words speak for themselves.
There are definitely people who have a difficult time reading body language or even your tone. For example, children have a hard time understanding sarcasm. I love being sarcastic, but when I am around children they never seem to understand, and just take what I am saying literally. I then have to explain I was only joking. The adaptive benefit to possessing the ability to read body language is that it allows people to read how someone is feeling, whether they are uncomfortable in a certain setting, or are sad. Really it helps us read their emotions. Some environmental conditions where there might be a benefit to not reading body language is for people who are reserved and quiet. If you ignore their shy behavior and just talk to them you will see they just do not like to be the first one to speak or reach out, but are just as nice. By looking past that, you won't view them as standoffish.
I found this experiment to be quite difficult pretty early on. I felt silly, like I was playing a game, and I also grew quite frustrated, not knowing how to communicate something that required words. We are so used to talking non-stop, that when we can not, it just feels ridiculous. When my partner was confused I wanted to just tell her what I meant, but I could not.
My partner in the conversation also had a difficult time, because it was basically a one-sided conversation. They could not really ask anything other than yes or no questions, because how could I really respond to anything else? They made this realization and the format of the conversation changed, the topics were limited and uninteresting. They found the whole situation very confusing and unsure of how to continue the conversation. I can imagine, for my partner, it was like speaking to someone who slightly understood your language but could not speak it at all. This made it a challenge to keep the conversation going for the whole fifteen minutes.
If my partner and I represent two different cultures meeting for the first time, my partner, who is able to speak has the advantage of communicating complex ideas. The speaking culture would have an irritated attitude towards the culture, me, that does not use symbolic language. In our culture if a person has a disability that effects their ability to speak or even an individual who has a different first language, those of us who can speak well and with ease, tend to speak to the individual in a slow and sometimes disrespectful manor. It can be frustrating for both sides. Another example is in high school I sat next to a girl in Art who was deaf. We always smiled at each other and I could just tell she was a nice person. I had to speak throughout her interpreter, however, as I do not know any sign language, and this was quite frustrating to me. I wanted to get to know her, but since I could not actually ask her the questions, there was a disconnect. I felt like I just could not truly get to know her.
This experiment was difficult to keep a straight face. I could not help but want to laugh several different times, knowing I must look crazy. We did last the whole fifteen minutes, but not without difficulty. In addition, I, like many others, like to use my hands when I talk to put emphasis on items and also to show emotion through facial expressions, which helps define the feeling behind what is being said.
My partner thought I looked robotic. Speaking in monotone, it was extremely difficult for them to interpret the true meaning behind what was being said. This, again, led to confusion and frustration for her. While it was easier to communicate, it was boring and felt unimportant.
This experiment really showed me how crucial non-speech language is in communicating. Our tone and facial expression play a huge role in expressing how we feel. We take these for granted, and when those are taken away, meaning can completely be misinterpreted. In a way, this part of the experiment is like texting. When you are texting there is no way of telling the emotion or tone of the message sent. In order for the our message to get across effectively, there needs to be emphasis and emotion involved.I really had to work harder to let my words speak for themselves.
There are definitely people who have a difficult time reading body language or even your tone. For example, children have a hard time understanding sarcasm. I love being sarcastic, but when I am around children they never seem to understand, and just take what I am saying literally. I then have to explain I was only joking. The adaptive benefit to possessing the ability to read body language is that it allows people to read how someone is feeling, whether they are uncomfortable in a certain setting, or are sad. Really it helps us read their emotions. Some environmental conditions where there might be a benefit to not reading body language is for people who are reserved and quiet. If you ignore their shy behavior and just talk to them you will see they just do not like to be the first one to speak or reach out, but are just as nice. By looking past that, you won't view them as standoffish.
"I can imagine, for my partner, it was like speaking to someone who slightly understood your language but could not speak it at all."
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting statement because you are fully aware that your comprehension of your partner was not affected at all, and yet you say "who slightly understood your language". Why did you make that conceptual jump? Do you think your partner made the same assumption, that your inability to speak meant that you also couldn't understand him? You see that a lot in how people are treated when they don't speak as we expect them to... raised voices, slower talking pace, enunciating words. Is intelligence equated with speaking ability?
Good discussion the implications on two cultures and their ability to communicate. I appreciate that you brought your own personal experiences into the post.
"...it was extremely difficult for them to interpret the true meaning behind what was being said."
Again, an interesting statement. You were using your full spoken language skills, so what do you mean by "true meaning". How is that difficult to ascertain without body language?
I agree sarcasm is a "learned skill" but otherwise, children are usually very adept at all other body language since this is the first language they learn as babies. What about people in the autism spectrum. Or how difficult would it be to fully comprehend body language if you were blind?
Okay on your last point but you are still reading body language, you are just choosing to react differently than most people would. Are there any circumstances where body language might mislead you? Can it be misinterpreted? Do all cultures use the same system of body language?
thank you
ReplyDelete