The Pragmatic perspective on communication consits of a system of interlocking, interdependent behaviors that become patterned over time (32). This communication model focuses on individual selves or on social roles and rules. This pattern focuses on the behaviors of the individuals involved.
With that being said, I think it does make sense to think of communication as a patterned interaction. There are several reasons why I believe this. For instance, if I begin a new job, I must interact with my boss. Therefore, I must learn how to communicate with he/she in order to get what I need and vice-versa, because ultimately we both want a payoff.
Teachers have to establish a communication pattern with their students. Students learn in many different ways and this forces teachers to bring a variety of teaching elements to the classroom. Last, but not least, I most definitely communicate differently with my fiance than I would my dad. I know what language to use to get what I want from both of them. And I learned how to get what I wanted because they have been continuous in their communication patterns with me. Needless to say, CHILDREN are experts!
To me, communication is like a game. It is crucial that we understand whomever we are communicating with because if we don't it could result in a very damaging relationship or non at all. Thus meaning, we need to know the rules of the person we are dealing with, if we plan on winning the relationship (game). Furthermore, it's a game because a lot of people communicate with others just to see what they can get from that person (sex, money, information/gossip, etc).
However, communication is very different from a game because ,in majority of games, there is a winner and a loser. In the game of communication everyone should strive to make it a win-win situation because there is great power in the words we speak and the gestures that we make, which can affect someone for years. To call "re-match" is not an option because hurtful words and gestures stick and can sever relationships.
1 comment:
Your idea about learning the rules of the game is what I’d like to talk about. It’s interesting that in the pragmatic perspective they look to the game of chess as an example of the step-by-step approach to communication. This person moves here and then this person moves there. Most of us know the rules of the game? How do you eliminate your opponents’ pieces without getting your King (leader) in check (captured). When we meet someone we are presented with the context of the meeting; A social event, a business meeting, a competitive event, or a romantic encounter. All of these encounters require you to have a plan (your rules of the game) before you engage in communication. What do you want out of this interaction? How do you present your demeanor? Will you be flexible? It would appear to me that we hold the key to knowing the rules of the “game”. All we need to know is the context of our interaction and whether we want to engage in the communication. Regardless of winning or losing, we still have a choice to participate in communicating.
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