Get Oriented to Using Language
Pron.Abracadabra
Hebrew for: I create as I speak.
Communication is the means by which we construct psychosocial reality, individually and collectively. Societies and nations are therefore built around a common language.
Language is the foundation by which we individually:
- perceive reality—both psychosocial and physical-impersonal
- think about reality—including dreaming, and
- attempt to sustain or alter reality with the support of others
In everyday living, we depend on our for membership of our most important groups, and for any work involving others. As a result, we are probably more differentiated by the ways we than by almost anything else.
Clarity about the 7 universal is the first step in exploring deeper issues.
Language and Communication
here is not restricted to a vocabulary as we understand it i.e. English or Italian or Hindi. It covers non-verbal aspects—hence the phrase 'body language'. However, there are non-verbal aspects of communication like silence, emotional tone or rhythm (in speaking) or illustrations, font choice, layout (in writing), that are not part of language as such but nevertheless do affect how a particular message is expressed, how it is understood, and the ease of understanding.
«» is the provisional name given to the nested typology within . Each of the shapes how communicative events are handled. They are methods for using the elements/levels in the and for optimizing discourse within enduring groups. They can be thought of as «communication tools» or «tools for sharing understanding».
In short: the methods form a typical THEE Principal Typology. The taxonomic path is shown here. You will see that it is similar to that found for decision (within L6 of ) and for ethical choice (within L6 of ).
Names & How You will Mislead Yourself
Mostly we default to a use of language based on our own personal flow of ideas (i.e. our subjectivity). When I create to distinguish the , you will not automatically use these as names just because I say so. Instead, you will use your own associations to those terms expecting that will help you understand what the THEE-names are referring to. That normally works, but in these investigations that will probably lead you up the garden path.
Without seeking to be rude, this is lazy thinking.
Remember that the names themselves are less important than what they refer to, and the most precise name is a formula. I always try to find names that evoke useful associations to help myself as much as you. However, I have found this rather difficult in this set of Types. If you can suggest alternative and better names that are less likely to mislead, then please do so.
Capture the 7 Methods via Prime Examples
For each example, I provide the provisional formal name.
1: Think a car manual or recipe book =
2: Think of a quick hello email to your partner or chatting about nothing in particular with friends in a cafe =
3: Think an academic paper or hover here to see a typical academic title =
4: Think TV soap or articles in your daily newspaper = .
5: Think a Shakespeare play e.g. As You Like It =
6: Think exposition of a THEE framework =
7: Think a Greek myth =
If you can sense there are fundamental differences between these ways of using language, then you are ready for an initial introduction.
More Orientation
- Background. These 7 methods were discovered as by-product of formulating the . Elliott Jaques had noted two of the methods, and I extended those findings. Read a fuller account.
- Preview: Read a simple introduction.
- Location in the Taxonomy: see the THEE Path.
- Forget about more orientation: start on the framework now.
Originally posted: 5-Jan-2013. Last amended: 15-August-2016.