* Consider the pragmatic perspective. Does it make sense to think of communication as patterned interaction?
In my understanding, it does make sense to think of communication as patterned interaction. The idea behind the pragmatic perspective is that patterns can be kept of changed. It depends on what works or not within a given communication – either verbal or non verbal communication. As an example, I will use the experiences of a newly married couple. If the wife feels upset because the husband does not help her with the chores, instead of accusing him of being lazy, absent or even irresponsible, she would analyze what lead him to be this way: did his mother never teach or let him to help out with the chores when he was younger? Doesn't he help with the chores because he thinks that this is a strictly feminine task?
By analyzing different reasons why the husband is not helping with the chores the wife should understand what is behind the husband's behavior that upsets her so much. As Trenholm (2008) explained, “the pragmatic perspective views communication as a system of interlocking behaviors that become patterned over time" (p. 41).
Ibirapuera
W16 - Discussion Question # 3
16 years ago
To be honest when I read this part of the chapter about pragmatic perspective it was kind of confusing to grasp it all. But,the example of the married couple, helped me understand the concept even more. The questions that this newly married wife would ask, are exteremey on point. I like how you stated that "it depends on what works and not with the given communication". How you explained your example with the quote from Trenholm backed up your point of view. It makes sense, Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI actually took a class on systemic behavior, and I found it very interesting and informative. I agree with you about how using a systemic approach, one could better understand another person, or, more specifically, better understand a specific behavior in another person. When I read this section of the book, I was glad to find out that there was a perspective that allowed for reflection rather than blaming of the other communicator. Like you showed, a person could reflect upon why someone acted a certain way and try to put himself in the other person's shoes rather than believing the behavior to be caused by some character flaw.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chivista.
ReplyDeleteI am glad this post helped you to have a better understanding of the concept "pragmatic perspective". :)
Ibirapuera
How interesting, Rena! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah! Can you imagine if the entire world had access to this kind of information? Human relationships would be so much better.
I am currently taking an interpersonal communication class and we are analyzing speeches/conversations through the lenses of the pragmatic perspective. This IP class somehow helped me to have a better understanding of the pragmatic perspective.
Ibirapuera