Kayla’s

The media plays a big part in our lives, I cannot imagine living a week without the television, and I am sure I am speaking for many here. As taught in our lecture, Charles Wright identified four functions of the media. They are surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission and entertainment.

1. Surveillance

This first media function refers to the gathering of information. This function if fulfilled by newspapers and by radio and television news programs. These media sources provide viewers with he news and warnings of dangers, or other instrumental information. The daily news in our local Channel 5 or 8 is an example of this.

2 . Correlation

This function is the analysis and evaluation of information. Not only do they provide the information, the media also interpret and analyze social problems. This is subjective as the media commentators give their opinions on what they understand of the situation. Examples of these are editoral pages of newspapers, or magazines articles that analyze current issues.

3. Cultural Transmission

This refers to the education and socialisation of receivers. In addition to informing receivers of the events, the media also socialise receivers. The characters in television dramas teach behavioral norms, films teach the culture’s history. Even media personalities are seen as role models for us.

4. Entertainment

This last function of the media refers to our enjoyment and gratification. The media offers an escape from the problems of everyday life. It not only helps us to relax, but to go on different adventures and experience what we probably will never get to in reality. This entertainment function is fulfilled by almost every medium. The newspaper, magazines, television or the movies provide entertainment for everyone of us.

The media provides these important functions, it is no wonder it is such an essential tool in our lives.

Today I am going to touch on the topic of culture. And I simply cannot talk about this topic without bringing up this movie-

Spanglish! This movie talks about how a divorced mother and her daughter from Mexico moved to the United States in search of a better life. Without knowing english, both of the struggled in this new environment. However, the daughter soon caught on to the language and the culture of the United States while in school. The mother on the other hand was afraid to step out and stayed within the Latina community.

However it is obvious that she cannot seclude herself forever, therefore she began looking for a higher paying job outside her community. Soon she met the well-to-do Clasky family and moved in with them to be their housekeeper. It then went on to talk about the barriers which stood in their way of communicating, and how her daughter was fitting in so well that the mother was worried that she would forget her roots.

Unable to speak english, there was a language barrier between the mother and the Clasky family. This is an example of how culture can affect communication, through language or message making. It is not only that different culture use different words to express their thoughts, but also that the thoughts they express may be different.

Another barrier cultural can cause to communication is the image or sense of self. From the movie, the Clasky family hold themselves very confidently, whereas the mother is a little more apprehensive and quiet. Culture affects the basic notions of human nature, including to the extent to which the individual self is valued, which then affect every aspect of behavior.

Thirdly, goal oriented behaviors is another barrier. Different cultures teaches different ways of pursuing goals. The Americans have relatively high achievement motivation. As seen in this film, the Clasky family is rich and well to do. Both parents are high achievers.

Forth, understanding of role relations or identities is another barrier to communication. The different cultures tells us who to be and how to act. The different categories of a culture (such as age, status, gender, etc), act differently in different cultures. In the Clasky family, the mother is very confident and a feminist. Whereas the divorced mother from Mexico is rather submissive, the opposite of the other mother. The difference in culture certainly played a role in this vast difference.

Lastly, the perception or interpretation of reality is a barrier to communication. When we perceive events, we attach values to them. Our values are a result from the culture we brought up in. In the film, the Clasky family doted on the Mexican daughter. Therefore they invited her to stay with them instead of following her mother to a trip back to Mexico. The daughter very much wanted to stay on, but her mother got angry. In this scenario, when the Clasky family invited her to stay on, they perceive this to be a friendly invite. Whereas the Mexican mother perceived this negatively as she did not want her daughter to forget her roots. Therefore different cultures have different level of sensitivity to different things. It is important to understand the cultural differences so as to avoid miscommunication as much as possible!

Today I am going to be talking about Duck’s Filtering Theory. (are you suddenly feeling hungry? hoho) I personally agree to this theory a lot, therefore am going to cover it. We as people meet many people everyday, yet we choose to go into a deeper relationship with some. We choose some to be friends, some as good friends, and some even deeper. In this theory, Steve Duck feels that attraction is really a process of elimination, which i cannot agree more.

According to his filtering theory, we use a series of filter to judge how close we want to be with someone. At each stage, some move on, whereas some get eliminated. The point at which someone is eliminated from further stages determine the level of that relationship. Those who do not pass through the first filter remain strangers, and those who make it to the last filter become intimates in the end. Here are the four filters.

1. Sociological or Incidental Cues

This refers to the demographic or environmental factors that determine the probability of contact. These includes factors such as where we live, where we work, how frequent we travel and so on. Obviously we cannot form relationships with people we have never met, therefore this is the first stage. Proximity is the key factor here.

2. Pre-interaction Cues

In this level, factors such as physical beauty, nonverbal behaviours and artifacts are observed. People use nonverbal cues such as body language or eye contact to determine whether they want to interact with others. We observe others’ body type, physical beauty, style and related artifacts to get some idea of what the other person is like. We also respond differently to come cues due to personal preference. This determines if one moves on to the next level.

3. Interactional Cues

This occurs the moment we make initial contact. Some might be smooth and comfortable, while others rough and awkward. The ability to manage conversations is a very important factor here.

4. Cognitive Cues

This is the last and most important filter. This level refers to the attitude similarity, need complementary and shared values. In the long run, such factors are more important than physical beauty. This is a level where we communicate openly about our values, beliefs and understand the other.

Personally, I find this theory very useful. I definitely do eliminate people whom i meet every on such a basis. It is very natural and real, it also makes perfect sense!

Ladder 49. This film is one of my favorite movies ever! I am going to use this film to illustrate Knapp Model of Relational Development, more specifically the first 5 stages of coming together.

Stage 1: Initiating

This stage is when both parties present themselves, usually the cautious and ’safe’ period. They try to create a good first impression, and observes the other party for cues about their personality, attitude and willingness. In this movie, Jack and Linda met at a supermarket. They then hit it off well and were both attracted to each other.

Stage 2: Experimenting

This stage is when both parties feel each other out. This is after the first stage went well and evaluations are positive. They then search for common ground to build their relationship upon. From the movie, Jack and Linda met up again and wen out for dates. During which they got to know each other more, starting off with small talks to other deeper information.

Stage 3: Intensifying

Here both parties will increase their commitment, physical contact also begins here. There is also the disclosure of feelings to the other party. Terms of endearment are also used from this stage onwards, partners may even be able to complete each other thoughts. In this stage, satisfaction and excitement is high. In the context of the movie, Jack and Linda hang out more often with each other, both aware of each other’s feelings. They also gotten closer physically.

Stage 4: Integrating

In this stage, both parties officially a couple. Their social identity is confirmed as a couple. Partners may even talk and behave in a similar way, shared experiences become personalized. In ladder49, Jack brought Linda to meet his mates. Here they are identified as a couple, and both social networks are introduced.

Stage 5: Bonding

This is the stage where couples do significant public rituals such as marriage, engagement, or having a child. In any case, bonding rituals officially legitimize the relationship and change the participants’ attitudes towards and feelings about one another. In ladder49, Jack and Linda got married and had children. Their attitudes changed for the better and thought not only for themselves, but also for their family.

These are the first 5 stages of coming together. Knapp’s Model of Relational Development also includes the next 5 stages of coming apart. They are differentiating, circumscribing, stagnating, avoiding and lastly terminating.

Here is the music video for John Legend’s P.D.A (We just don’t care). For those out there who are clueless, P.D.A stands for Public Display Affection. With a title like that, what else can I be evaluating about other than nonverbal communications!

There are many different types of nonverbal communication. Firstly I shall touch upon kinesics. Kinesics refer to the body language. From this video, there are mainly two couples. The body language of both couples certainly does indicate their relationship.

Secondly, the use of objects. In this video, John Legend is seen holding a video camera recording their holiday together. The usage of this object tells people that they are on a holiday, and with how he is usually focusing the camera on her, tells of their relationship and what he is feeling for her.

Third is the study of oculesics. This refers to the eye contact. Both couples in this video have a lot of eye contact with each other. Again, it emphasizes on the type of relationship they share.

Forth is the study of haptics which refers to physical touch. Obviously with a title like P.D.A, it will not be complete without much use of haptics. From the way both couples cannot keep their hands off each other, to the touch of her leg under the table, all of is talks of haptics.

Fifth is the proxemics. This is referring to the distance and space between two people. Again, with them as couples, the proxemics between them should be much closer and more intimate.

Hello all!

I am sure you all know about the Edison scandal, well here is his apology video. Yes, I will be observing it to explain the properties of language as well as to evaluate if it is an effective verbal communication.

The first sub-system of language is phonemes. This refers to the sound, the tone, pitch used in conveying the verbal message across. From this video, you can tell from the sound of Edison’s voice is that of a formal message. Also a very apologetic and serious sound.

The second interdependent component is synthatics. This refers to the structure of the sentence. From Edison’s speech, his sentences are structured in a way that leaves the impression that it is a well thought out speech. In addition to that, he also added appropriate pauses in his sentences.

The third sub-system is semantics. This point refers to the meaning behind it, the purpose and objective it is trying to relay. As for this Edison’s video, it is obvious that the semantics behind it is to apologise for all the scandals he caused. His objective was well brought across.

Lastly, the forth sub-system is pragmatics. This refers to the context of it. Meaning how we use the language in social contexts, and whether it accomplishes the goals of the speech. Edison here used proper and formal sentences for this occasion, and with that, it does accomplish his goal for this speech, which is to apologise.

Therefore, based on the properties of language. This video is an example of the effective usages of the different components.

As talked about in my previous post, perception is the process of selection, organisation and interpretation. I focused on selection in my previous entry, therefore I shall now cover a little more detailed on organisation.

Organisation is the process of ordering, arranging and differentiating. There are many factors which influence our method of organising, for this entry, I shall cover the organisational principles. These principles are relatively simple templates we use when organizing information.

First, similarity.

Look at this drawing above. (Do note that all drawings used in this entry is drawn by ME.) At first glance, most tend to group the people above either by their height, or by the color of their heads. We have a tendency to group stimuli together that share certain attributes.

Second, proximity.

The dots above are all similar; however, one would tend to group them according to groups of six. This principle of proximity states that we tend to group stimuli that are (physically) adjacent to each other together, and perceive them in some sense as a group or a unit.

Third, figure and ground.

This is a soccer game. (Yes it is.) Consider the case of two people watching this same soccer match. However, depending on the individual’s focus, both might make different connections in this game. We use the term figure to describe the focus of our attention, and ground to refer to the setting. Our perception will revolve around our point of focus, therefore resulting in different views on the same game if both individuals have different focus during the match.

Lastly, closure.

Although the lines are not connected, one can still see that the above word is my name, KAYLA! Closure is the tendency to make perceptual assumptions of a sort by filling in missing perceptual elements that are suggested by the way we organise information about a particular set of stimuli. Therefore, although there are missing elements in the picture above, an individual will fill them in to form my name, Kayla.

Hello all!

For this entry, I would be touching on the topic of perception. Perception is the process of selection, organisation and interpretation. I will be focusing on the selection stage; however, keeping in mind that these processes are all occurring together in reality.

This passage is taken from a song by the Foo Fighters. The title is Best of You.

Has someone taken your faith?
Its real, the pain you feel
The life, the love
You’d die to heal
The hope that starts
The broken hearts
Your trust, you must
Confess

Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

After reading the lyrics, which part are you likely to notice? More often than not, most would remember the sentence “ Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?” as it was repeated many times in the song. This is due to the quality of frequency. The property of frequency suggest that we would take note of messages that we are repeated exposed to.

Something else that stood out in the lyrics is the “ Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”. It stands out because it is different in manner as compared to the other words. This is the property of contrast.

Stimuli that are particularly strong tend to be attended to. Words are usually used to express the property of intensity. From this passage, words such as “ You’d die to heal” conveys the intensity and emotion behind the source.

The last quality of selection is novel stimuli. This refers to things that are new to us. We may be more likely to notice something new in which we have never experienced before.

There are the four main qualities of selection. There are definitely many other influences, such as our individual characteristics, social influence or the mass media influences.

For this entry, I am going to be comparing two drink advertisements to show the different usage of persuasion styles. As taught in lecture, persuasion is needed to achieve one objectives; however, there are different modes of appeal.

Here is an advertisement for Gatorade-

In this advertisement, Logos and Ethos are used. Logos is the appeal to reasoning. Throughout this advertisement, it talks about how research had been done and the results to convince the viewers as to why Gatorade is the drink for you. Ethos is the appeal of one’s character. If you notice, big names were used for this advertisement. International soccer players such as Ronaldinho and Carlos were used. This adds on to the credibility for other sports players to use Gatorade.

Now compare it with this Guinness advertisement-

There is a big difference in the overall mood of this advertisement. The narration was not about why you should drink Guinness, rather it was an appeal to your emotion. This is an example of the use of Pathos. It talks about choosing a mate and staying together for life. With a tagline “Knowing What Matters”, it reaches within to the viewer’s emotion.

Among all the different methods available, there is no one right method. After viewing both advertisements, I am more convinced to drink Gatorade instead (eliminating all biasness). However it is undeniable that the creativity of the Guinness advertisement sticks in my head. In addition to that, if you were to ask around, more people would remember the ‘penguins advertisement’ rather than the informative Gatorade advertisement!

I just came across a rather interesting fact. Consider this statement-

Hair and fingernails continue growing after death.

True or False?

Anyways hello to all again, I am now back with a proper entry. I was surfing through the internet when that above statement caught my attention.

My first thought was how do people even come to this realisation? Sidetrack a little, have you ever wondered who looked at those ‘dangly things’ underneath a cow and thought to himself, ” I am going to squeeze those things and drink whatever that comes out of it!”

Oh wells. So have you guys decided if the above statement is true or false? Well, wait till my next entry and I will reveal the answer. Muahaha. No I’m kidding, I am not that annoying. (Honest, I am a nice girl.)

Though hair and fingernails appear to keep growing after death, this is merely a morbid optical illusion at work. In death the human body dehydrates severely, retracting enough skin to expose more nail and hair.

There you go, you learn something new every week when you read my journals! Whether or not they are useful is another thing. Alright, now you may be thinking to yourself, what does this have to do with communication! I am here to tell you it has everything to do with it!

If I were to ask you that same statement above right now, you would be able tell me the correct answer. This is evidence that effective communication has just taken place, more specifically interactive communication. Interactive communication is when feedback is possible, therefore people, LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS! Let’s make this an interactive communication just as how it is meant to be.

(What? I’m trying too hard? hoho.)