Language Blog

Part 1: You were asked to engage in a conversation for 15 minutes where you were not allowed to use any version of a symbolic language (no speaking, writing, or ASL).

Holding a conversation with someone when you are unable to speak or use any other form of symbolic language (writing, sign language, texting) makes the conversation very difficult. In my efforts to communicate without speech, I turned to a form of charades and hand gestures.  This was hilarious to my family, who had never experienced this with me before.  However, to me it was extremely aggravating as I had difficulty in conveying my message.  I have to say my family was very patient and paid very close attention. This project turned more into a game than a conversation.  The various members of my family had complete control of the conversation as my input was limited.  They controlled the topic of discussion and I did my best to contribute.  The conversation turned superficial as it was almost impossible to discuss anything to difficult.  By the end of the 15 minutes, the only thing accomplished was a good laugh at my expense. I’m sure, if for some reason one of us could no longer communicate via speech, writing or sign language, we would work out a system that would allow us to communicate.

In a scenario where two separate cultures, one using speech and the other that doesn’t, the culture that could speak would definitely have the advantage in explaining complex ideas. The speaking culture would become impatient with the other culture because speaking is a much more efficient way of conveying ideas, where other means of communication take more time and effort.  Deaf Individuals in our culture have difficulty with spoken language.  In my previous profession I had a great many experiences attempting to communicate with deaf individuals.  At first, it can be very difficult to communicate, however necessity prevails, and through greater adaptability on their part than mine, we eventually would be able to communicate with one another. They were very patient with me and both of us would put forth the effort to adapt.  The most important aspect was understanding and patience. If patience is shown, and the effort is mutual, the language barrier can be overcome.

Part 2: You were asked to spend 15 minutes communicating without any physical embellishments, i.e., no hand signals, not vocal intonation, not head, facial, or body movements. 

Holding a conversation with someone when you are unable to show any type of physical embellishments (facial expression, hand signals or body movements) or emotion (vocal intonation) is very difficult, but not quite as difficult as the first experiment (no speech, writing, symbolic language or sign language). The conversation was easier than the first because we could still understand each other, but monitoring and trying to curb my facial expression was daunting. Immediately, I failed this experiment by raising my eyebrows when communicating.  I never really considered how much I embellish my speech with facial cues and vocal intonation.  Communicating without vocal intonation does not really provide the proper message intended.  Vocal intonation is common to several of the languages that I have studied. It is necessary to distinguish a statement from a question, to convey exclamation or alarm.  It is necessary for survival, ex., “There is something big over there,” in comparison to, “THERE IS SOMETHING BIG OVER THERE!”

My partners in this experiment weren’t affected by my lack of intonation or expression during our conversation because they knew it was a project, however, had this been a real life conversation, there would be the great potential of them feeling annoyed, or that I was annoyed with them, they might feel unappreciated or under-valued.  I feel without the ability to use facial expression or vocal intonation in particular I felt very impersonal and robotic.

The use of signs in our language is extremely important. Body language and especially facial expression is a large part in understanding one another. Facial expression, eye contact or avoiding eye contact, nervous gestures (constantly shifting one’s weight, wringing of one’s hands, looking around while talking) etc. are all very important in the interpretation of one’s message and intent. Some people don’t pick up on body language as easily as others, however I believe this is a crucial tool for properly interpreting one’s true message.  The benefit of reading body language is a key to our daily lives.  As children, I am sure most of us knew a certain look from our parent meant our current behavior had better cease.  If you see someone approaching you with a menacing look on their face and their body is tense, these could be cues that trouble is afoot.  It is important to be aware of one’s own body language as well.  You would not want to avoid eye contact and yawn while being interviewed for a wanted position.  You wouldn’t want to nervously fidget, cross your arms and look around constantly when being questioned by the authorities investigating a crime.  You wouldn’t want to convey an apathetic look or one of disinterest when approached by someone you have a romantic interest in.

People with alexithymia have difficulty or the inability to read and interpret body language.  They have difficulty in distinguishing and appreciating the emotions of others, which is thought to lead to empathic and ineffective emotional responding.  I personally have not had any contact with this difficulty.  Personally I cannot see a benefit in not being able read another’s body language as even those who intend to lie or provide inaccurate information often give off clue’s to their deceit.