I had never really given much thought to the whole concept of communication and I had no idea there were so many different models and ways to define communcation. I had always thought communication was when two or more people were participating in a conversation with one another. I had never stopped to actually analyze what communication actually was and how communities or different cultures actually define communication. Of all the different models I have read in this chapter, I have to say that the one I feel I can most relate to is the Dell Hymes model. I have been in deaf studies at Sierra College for a few semesters now and before I had begun, I knew very little about the deaf community and I did not even know there was an actual legitimate deaf community and an entire deaf culture. I have learned so much through these courses. I have emersed myself in the deaf community and I have observed the ways deaf people communicate with one another. Not only do they use their hands to communicate, but facial expressions is an important part on how they communicate with each other. Without the facial expressions, one would not be able to fully understand what the other person is attempting to communicate. I believe that the deaf community could be greatly linked to the Dell Hymes model. The deaf have formed a small-knit community and they often embrace outsiders and are quick to give you a warm welcoming hug and they understand if you are slow at signing (and sometimes, I still am!) and they are patient, kind and understanding. Becoming emersed in the deaf community has opened my eyes to a very different, fun and exciting form of communication!
Kate
Sign language is a great example of non verbal communication. So much gets communicated without the spoken or written word. My wife and I have picked up some sign language as we started our first communication with our daughter at an early age. We still use it on occasion. It can be very helpful in communication over a long distance in a crowded room or park. We will still use the sign for “do you have to go potty” to get her attention.
ReplyDeleteI think using only sign language to communicate helps you become more expressive in your gestures and helps you to become more resourceful in trying to get your point across.
I agree with both of you! I had a deaf person in my class in elementary school and then sporadically in classes through Jr. High and High School. I then choose to take the ASL classes here at Sierra too. Being able to express yourself is so important when trying to communicate with people. I too taught my children sign language at a very young age, and I feel now that because they know how to communicate not only with their words, but with facial expressions, and body gestures, that as children their stress level is significantly lower. Communication is not only being able to use your words, but is being able to get your point across to the other person clearly and effectively.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you on how complicated and confusing communication is, before I started this class I never realized how much went into the way we communicate. When i would first think of communication, i orginally just thought of it as being the words we use with others, but now from examples from the reading I realize so much more goes into it. We have to think about the tone of voice, and even body language or facial expressions can change the way others might understand what we are trying to say. A lot goes in on how we effictavely are able to get our point across. Also as mentioned in the post of above, sign language falls into the category of being able to communicate without just using words.
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