Choice in Using Language

Capability & Choice

Can everyone handle all the methods for using language?
In principle, yes. But, as the oscillating duality revealed, the odd-numbered Types are demanding and can be difficult.

Understanding a communication is far easier than creating the communication. However, there may be doubt as to whether a communication is actually understood.

It is likely that people gravitate to the method required to perform their work—or gravitate to work that suits their preferred method. Elsewhere, the 7 Methods via their Q-expansion are found to provide the basis for carrying responsibility within society's primal groups.

More analysis will be provided in the TET exploration, but some immediate observations are possible.

Simple Observations

L'1-Concrete method

Everyone can understand and follow instructions in relation to actions they are capable of performing. Everyone can give specific instructions in relation to familiar actions as that performance is occurring. Everyone can read a manual when it is written for them, but not a manual that is written for those with specialized expertise. Not everyone can write a technical manual.

L'2-Associative method

Almost everyone uses the associative method in informal moments with familiars. Many will use this method at work. Those with learning difficulties will be limited to what work they can realistically be expected to perform.

L'3-Conceptual method

Scientists, academics and intellectuals use this method to enable intelligent exchanges. Systematic education commences with assertion of the conceptual framework. Those who work in the knowledge industries (finance, biotechnology, artificial intelligence) that derive from science or mathematics need to be able to use concepts as well. Higher management is also distant from activities and inherently conceptual.

L'4-Universal method

Everyone can hear the news, read someone's blog, watch a popular film, or listen to a pop song. But not everyone can write readable prose, present a radio talk-show, or address a large rally effectively. Differences in vocabulary and interests determine whether what is read or watched is high-brow, TV soap opera, tabloid gossip, romantic stories, business news, sports results &c.

L'5-Gestalt method

Use of this method calls for talent and self-discipline. Rather few can produce evocative communications, while many more can enjoy them. Still, even here numbers are limited because engaging and responding requires cultivation of inner sensitivity. Recipients require openness to life experience and a readiness for new awarenesses.

L'6-Logical method

Even fewer can use the logical method. Understanding involves engaging with a concentration and determination that many seem to lack.

L'7-Mythic method

Comfort with images and openness is required for both producing and understanding. As with gestalt and logical methods, willing effort and sensitivity may be required.

Tools & Style : Test Yourself

Here is an opportunity to test your grasp of the 7 approaches to using language.

Click on the ? to get the answer in each cell of the matrix (or to hide it again). Open the whole matrix by using the «open all» icon in the topic toolbar.

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Commun'n Tools	CONCRETE	ASSOCIATIVE	CONCEPTUAL	UNIVERSAL	GESTALT	LOGICAL	MYTHIC
New Ideas	? Must be self- evident and correspond to what is sensed.	? Rejected or used on whim.	? Defined in an agreed way to be relevant and usable.	? Multiple evolving meanings carrying values that evolve.	? Starting point for imaginative leaps.	? Located within the system of fundamentals.	? An image may be perceived or produced.
Exchanges	? feedback and correction of instructions or performance.	? Informal conversation enabling sharing of thoughts.	? Rational discussion within a given field.	? Opinion-based public interaction on social matters.	? Meaningful bonding and appreciation.	? Exposition using dialogue and dialectic.	? Communion based on a revelation.
Evaluation	? Based on successful completion of the procedure.	? Provided by joining in and being responsive.	? Provided by recognized peers in the field.	? Provided by self-appointed critics and in opinion pieces.	? Specialist criticism based on immersive study.	? By fellow inquirers.	? Personal and specialist.
Music	? Rhythm might be used for repetitive tasks.	? Might provide a comforting background.	? Not appropriate.	? Provided for emotional and persuasive purposes.	? Focuses and strengthens emotional responsiveness.	? Not appropriate.	? Might contribute.
Silence	? May be needed for concentration on doing.	? Meaning will be depend on the situation.	? Time for properly considering propositions.	? Used for rhetorical effect: persuasion, attention.	? May help create the desired inner experience.	? To provide time to grasp the ideas.	? Emptiness
Humour	? Practical jokes.	? Used to socialize and ease interaction.	? Field-specific	? Puns and wordplay; satire.	? The human comedy.	? Existential truths	? Cosmic laughter
Ambiguity	? Removed.	? Ignored or handled.	? Undesirable: so a focus of study.	? Used to diffuse issues and dampen reactions.	? Used to capture realities.	? Object of interest.	? Expected and used positively.
Writing	? Support despite distance via manuals or online help.	? Brief notes, diaries, checklists, emails, tweets.	? Essential to capture the argument.	? Widens the audience and reinforces the message e.g. blogs	? Poetry, novels, music.	? Essential to enable sharing, review & refinement.	? Scriptures
Graphics	? Often the primary way of explaining.	? Used to jog memory and fix ideas.	? Helps present complex information or conceptual schemas.	? Used to catch attention, but must fit the mood and tastes of the audience.	? Used to add emotional impact directly or by contextualizing.	? Used to show order and relationships.	? Enlivens the message.

Back to Review
Continue to the TET analysis.

Originally posted: 5-Jan-2013. Amended: 25-Aug-2016. Last updated: 10-Feb-2023