Genderlect theory:

Men and women have formed society and culture for a long time. This includes, but not limited to making relationships, communicating and forming society and culture. Interstingly,the fact that both genders have interacted with each other and have done the things previously stated, their ways of communicating are totally different from one another. This entry will elaborate more on this fact and the reasons why this occurs. It wil also elaborate on how to overcome the reasons which will be stated below.Note that the differences occur for men and women in general and is not to be confused with stereotypes.

One main reason for this difference is how their brains work. Men's brains prefer physical processes whereas female brains are more focused on the verbal ones. In this aspect, when a man and woman attempt to communicate to each other normally, it would be comparable to two sepeerate languages coming from either side of the conversation.(1)This, of course assumes that the parties are not attempting to accomodate towards each other.

In relevance to the fact above, the way that men and women think are also different. Men think in such a way that thay communicate only when it is needed. Men also tend to be more direct in their approach to communication, being straight-to-the-point. On the other hand, women tend to speak out everything verbally. They are more concerned with being heard and feeling understood instead of direct communication.(2)

 In order for men and women to communicate effectively, they need to accomodate for each other. One way is to analyse and understand the partner.(2) This helps the two parties understand each other more, anticipating what they would want. The other way is to try to communicate in a way that the other party can be comfortable with. This means that men would try to communicate in the way of the woman and vice versa.(3)

references:

1.Cameron, D.(1 October 2007). What language Barrier? Accessed 15/4/2012 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/oct/01/gender.books

2.Sarnoff-Ross, C. (12 April 2012) Stylistic Differences Between the Way Men and Women Communicate. Accessed 15/4/2012 from the website http://www.dailystrength.org/health_blogs/cyndi/article/stylistic-differences-between-the-way-men-and-women-communicate

3.Krause, J.(8 December 2010) Communication breakdown between men and women in the workplace. UOPX Writer Network, College of Social Sciences, humanities articles. accessed 15/4/2012 from http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/humanities/articles/2010/12/communication-breakdown-between-men-and-women-in-the-workplace.html

Muted group theory:

This theory describes about the 'muted group', women in society. This is due to the male-dominant society as they control the language. They have also been trained informally at home. Institutions taught them to be silent. Traditions and values have also to be considered on the definition. Gender is rooted into society as it is produced by culture.

To elaborate, as men are the dominant gender in society, they possess power over it. they set the rules on what should be the 'correct' way. Communication and hence, language are theirs to control. They will devalue minority cultures, in this case women. These minority groups have to speak according to the language set by the dominant culture. The main factor is how differently man and women communicate. women are more flexible with those that are close with them in communication than men, but are more doubtful as men form the majority of society.(1,2)

In response to this, the minority groups will form their own language. They do this in a number of possible ways, these rely on a nonverbal approach in order to fully express themselves without restraint from the dominant culture. The main reason for this to occur is to gain more power for themselves.(1)In what is viewed to be an achievement is the fact that the term 'sexual harassment' applies for both genders.(2) Another possible achievement has been done in Sweden, with the term 'hen', a general gender-neutral term to replace the equivalent terms for 'he' and 'she' to define a person.(4)

References:

1.Chand, D. (2003), Orbe, M. (1998)(based on.) Co-cultural Theory. Accessed 15/4/2012 from http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrbaldw/372/Co-Cultural.htm

2.Kramare, C.(24/3/2010) Muted Group Theory. Accessed 15/4/2012 from http://edutech.tlt.winona.edu/wikis/CMST282/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=muted_group_theory

3.Community team(April 12 2012) Should we use gender-neutral pronouns instead of 'he' and 'she'? Accessed 15/4/2012 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2012/04/should-we-use-gender-neutral-pronouns-instead-of-he-and-she.html

Symbolic interaction:

The term 'symbolic ineractionism' involves, as its name implies, symbols and their use in language. By extension, communication is involved in this theory as language is used. This theory is more focused on one's social life, instead of society itself. According to this theory, humans can view everything from a  symbolic point of view, including ourselves. This entry will elaborate on the theory stated above as well as its examples.

In general, this theory consists of interacting with symbols and making use of them. Language is used as well in order to give said symbols meaning. The meaning is first created by one person and checking to see if others agree on its meaning. Whenever there is mutual understanding of the symbol between people, that is when the meaning is set. In a similar way, society forms as what can be considered social norms are given meaning.(1) We see our 'self' depending on a number of factors. This is achieved by use of language and playing our 'role' to reflect ourselves. The 'self' also depends on how one is viewed as others see him or her; the significant other, those close to them and the generalised other, groups of people.

An example of this can be illustrated with the  image(taken from http://www.printablesigns.net/category/traffic). As seen, this is a stop sign, often seen in road junctions. The colour red in this picture has a strong effect, giving a stern warning to the reader. Before it was red, the colour yellow was used from 1915 until the year 1954. The colour was used mainly for practical purposes, as a red sign in the dark was too difficult to view during that time due to technological limitations. The yellow colour was also likely to be used as it was a sign of caution. The change from yellow to red was to differentiate this sign with a warning sign, coloured yellow. It was also done to ensure familiarity with the existing red traffic signal which also had the 'stop' meaning.(3)

Another example would be about oil. Oil also has the name of 'black gold' due to its value. The 'gold' part is bacause of society generally associated with gold, often seen as a valuable material. Oil is used everywhere in the world as industries and economy which power the world use it as fuel making it valuable in both literal and figurative sense, hence the name. To emphasise this fact, wars have even been fought to seize the substance. It has in fact become normal in society to see or know oil being used, one way or another, from fuels to plastics. (4)

References:

1.Changing Minds.(2002-2012). Symbolic Interaction Theory. Accesssed 15/4/2012 from http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/symbolic_interaction.htm

2.Strykes, S., Borgatta, (2011-2012) Symbolic Interaction Theory. Accesed 15/4/2012 from http://edu.learnsoc.org/Chapters/3%20theories%20of%20sociology/17%20symbolic%20interaction%20theory.htm

3.Moneur, R.C. (15 Sept. 2010) Were STOP signs ever yellow? Accessed 15/4/2012 from http://www.trafficsign.us/yellowstop.html

4. Graham Rowe, D. (30 Apr 2008) Black gold. Accessed 15/4/2012 from the website http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/apr/30/energy.geology

Communication Accomodation theory:

As this theory relates to the accomodation towards the speaker, this is usually applied when speaking to another person. This is especially true if said person cannot understand one's speech if being talked normally. The same can also be said if it is considered rude to the other party if  normal speech is used.

An example of the former is children. In general, children does not have an extensive vocabulary as adults do, such as his or her parents. They are also less knowledgable viewing the world in relatively simple ways and curious about matters in life. Hence, due to said curiosity, they are less likely to be embarrased than adults about certain matters such as drugs, sex and death. Education helps them understand these topics. However, it begins with the parents. It is their duty to provide not just information to their children, but it also must be done comfortably. They must also be aware of the child's knowledge of said topic beforehand. Overall, it helps them to understand and be aware of these concepts. (1)

As for the latter, elderly people would be considered. As these people have given the current generations their well-being, they should be treated with respect. In addition, if they have suffered any inconveniences, it would be best to show concern or comfort them in any given situation. If an elderly person causes what may be seen as a hardship, such as no longer driving, it would be best to seek help from friends, family or even appointments with a professional third-party(2) (image at right from www.helpguide.org)

Another example of the latter would be job interviews. Appearance is a vital factor for the interview. Another vital, but more important factor is the way the person communicates. Assuming they are equal in terms of appearance, a person who stutters a lot and sounds nervous is less likely to pass the interview as the employer does not feel comfortable with the interview(underaccomodation). On the other hand, one who speaks in a polite, confident manner is likely to get the job due to the employer feeling confident to give the job to the person.(3) (image at right from http://graduate.monster.co.uk)

References:

1.American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (May 2005), Talking To Your Kids About Sex,62. Accessed 13/4/2012 from the website http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/talking_to_your_kids_about_sex

2.Saisan, J.,White, W., and Robinson, L.(February 2012). Senior Driving: Safety Tips, Warning Signs, and Knowing When to Stop. Accessed 13/4/2012 from the website http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm

3. Diersta, D. (2008). Six Sloppy Speech Habits. Accessed 13/3/2012 from the website http://graduate.monster.co.uk/6520_en_p1.asp

Social penetration theory: Personal example

In a personal sense, joining a club or going for a job interview can be considered a form of  social penetration. This is due to the fact that you have to willingly expose yourself to people, from experiences to reason for applying in both cases. However, once approved, that is when social penetration has its significance. To elaborate, at first, the relationship between club members/ temporary employees, myself included is merely shallow, with small facts that aren't considered risky. Such examples would probably be club-related matters or a bit of personal information. When time passes and everyone knows more about one another, deeper relationships can be developed. Everyone knows about each other more as the days pass. In the case of withdrawal, once enough time passes again, the relationship will be there, but only the small talk is there, such as current events or how has the other party doing lately.

Media text example:

Various media can show a form of social penetration between people. This could be of any form, from friends, family and romance as they have relationships to maintain. The relationship may be between real people or fictional ones. This entry will discuss about the general idea of social penetration itself by presenting examples.

In a fictional example, Romeo and Juliet from Shakespeare could be considered. This iconic and romantic relationship between the two characters started when they first met. Initially, Romeo, who belonged to the Montagues family was in love with a woman named Rosaline as he wanted to gain the benefit of a romantic relationship. However, the woman did not love him back, as she saw no potential interest in him.

It was not until that he met Juliet, who was a member of the Capulets family, that he would seek a mutual relationship. The problem was that Juliet's family was the enemy of Romeo's own. Despite this fact, he believes that the gain(Juliet's love and the fact that the feeling was mutual) exceeds the costs (Both families' hatred for one another). Due to their mutual benefits, the social penetration went from two people to lovers leading to marriage in secrecy. Their intimacy was so deep, that not even misunderstandings between the families nor death would tear them apart. (1,2) It can be seen for them, the cost (living without their beloved) was too much for either to bear for their relationship.



In an example involving actual people, One example would be between Mark Wright and Emily Scott, two contestants in the reality show 'I'm a Celebrity...Get me out of here!'. Unlike the previous example, These fellow celebrities only engaged in a relatively mild relationship. During the show, they were frequently flirting with one another. Despite their on-screen interactions and activities together, Mark had no reason to take their relationship into a deeper level. This is due to the fact that the show helped him see how she really is as an individual. As a result, he does not feel the benefit of moving on, staying as friends. For him, there is no further benefit for pursuing a romance with her. (3)

References:

1.Unknown author.(14 April 2002). 1968's Romeo and Juliet. Accessed 10/4/2012 from the website http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/bach/rnj24/rj1968.html

2. Shakespeare, W. (Jan. 2006). Romeo and Juliet By William Shakespeare. Accessed 10/4/2012 from the website http://www.itiscannizzaro.net/Ianni/booksweb/romeojuliet/index.htm

3. Thomas, H. (5 December 2011) 'Emily's a very pretty girl, but there's no romance there': Mark Wright ends hopes of a I'm A Celebrity romance. Accessed 10/4/2012: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069834/Im-A-Celebrity-2011-Mark-Wright-ends-hopes-romance-Emily-Scott.html#ixzz1rf56bwT7

Week 6: Agenda setting and framing

Title: Rise in social deviance, plans made to counteract the problem in response.

      A country's future depends on its youth, but the youth depend on the elderly as role models in many areas, including ethics and education. However, in the case of our country, Country "X", the future may not be as bright as it is at the present. This is due to the behaviour of the country's younger generation at this time. Currently, they are best described as 'social deviants' who run amok in the streets doing criminal activities. The Ministry of Health has shown concern related to this matter. They believe that the main cause behind such deviants lie within the older citizens of the country. The older citizen's behaviour consisting of spitting and urinating in public brings a negative influence to the younger generation, who believe it as a cultural norm.

   The resulting behaviour will cause the image and the economy of Country"X" to be viewed negatively. Foreign companies will seem less likely to invest in a country which cannot curb this kind of behaviour, affecting the counry's economy. In order to combat this problem, the government plans to start public education immediately to deal with social deviants. This is done by the development of schools to produce a higher educated population to solve the problem. This also brings a positive benefit of attracting investors and improving the country's economy.....

Prioity as national agenda: -Older citizens spitting and urinating in public places.
                                            -The younger ones think it is a cultural norm.
                                            -lack of education likely cause of this.
                                            -affects government.

                                            -Government plans to start public education.
                                             -with public education, more educated people
                                             -more educated people, less chance of doing the negative behaviour
                                             -investors get more confident and invest

                                            -Public survey
                                            -with public education, the educated ones can educate the old people
                                            -less likely for people spitting and urinating in public
                                            -educated people can boost economy
                                            -encourages foreign investment

Week 5: Dramatism

The chosen topic for the essay shall be Dramatism. For the purposes of the blog, this entry shall only state the summary of the entry:

 Kenneth Burke defines dramatism as a concept. This concept explains about the motivation of human beings through the analysis of drama. It also analyses language and thought as modes of action rather than to convey information.(3) In simpler terms, dramatism involves communication and the communicator acts as if he or she was in a drama, hence the term. The communicator tries to reach to the audience to gain acceptence on his or her views.(2) This forms an attempt to convince the 'audience' via the actions performed by the comunicator, much like how an actual drama plays out.

The main course of dramatism only apply to people as they have the ability to perform action. An action is something done to a person on purpose in a way of their voluntary behaviour. This is different from motion, which contains neither meaning or purpose. In this sense, as explained by Littlejohn(2002) only people have actions, objects and animals have only motion.(1) Actions can be either animalistic or symbolic.(3)

These actions deal with thought. In one of Burke's books, "Grammar of Motives" (1945), basic forms of thought can be made prevalent through use of motives which are a product of rheotherical action. Motives deal with how people understand and respond to certain events(1)

A pentad is used to analyse the motives in a symbolic action. The pentad mainly concerns about the act, scene, agent, agency, purpose and later, attitude. Act describes whatever action took place. Agent describes who or what performed the action. Scene describes the location of the act. Agency describes the means employed. Purpose descibes why the act took place. Attitude describes the manner the action was performed.(1,3)

                                                                                                                             (277 words)
References:

1. Cohrs, B. (2002). Kenneth Burke's Dramatism. Accessed 15/2/2012. Website: http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~johnca/spch100/5-3-burke.htm

2. Dramatism-small group communication context. Accessed 15/2/2012. Website: http://www.uky.edu/~drlane/capstone/group/drama.html

3.Notes: Kenneth Burke on Rhetoric, pt. 2. Accessed 17/2/2012. Website: http://bradley.bradley.edu/~ell/burke2.html

Lesson on Semiotics (week 4):

Introduction:
The topic of choice for this assignment is semiotics, also known as the study of signs. In this topic, I shall write about the semiotics behind our national flag, the flag of Brunei Darussalam.

(picture and description of flag referenced from http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/brunei-flag.htm)

Denotation:

The denotation of this flag could be summarised as a yellow flag with two diagonal bands of black and white parallelograms with a red emblem in the center above the two parallelograms, with the white parallelogram on top and the black one at the bottom.

(picture of emblem taken from http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/9/. Description of emblem compiled from the 'references' section)

The emblem is described as a swallow-tailed flag on a winged column with an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upright hands. The crescent contains an inscription, in Arabic, the national slogan of Brunei which means "Always render service by God's guidance".

Significance:

The flag and umbrellas both stand for the Royal Regalias since the creation of the crest. The wings of four symbolises the protection of justice, tranquility, peace and prosperity.The hands represent the Government's pledge to promote welfare, peace and prosperity. The crescent represent Islam, the official religion in Brunei. The inscription on the crest reads "Brunei Darussalam" meaning "the Abode of Peace" in Arabic.

The colours also play a symbolic role. The colours yellow, white and black represent those of the Sultan, Pengiran Bendahara and the Pengiran Pemancha respectively.

Etiquette:

There is a certain etiquette to be maintained while hoisting the flag.(1) Faliure to do so implies disrespect for the country unless otherwise stated. The United Nations uses flags in Alphabetical order to ensure there is no precedence of one country's flag over another country's flag.

The flag must should never be flown above or below another country's flag, as this implies inferiority or superiority over another country's flag. During international events, the Brunei flag is carried as a sign of participation by the representative. This  The flag is hoisted during the singing of the national aanthem during school assemblies, National Day, His Majesty's birthday celebration or other special events.

 The flag must not be dragged along the ground. Worn or tattered flags should be replaced and burned privately and carefully. The flag must be carefully placed in the right position whenever they are hoisted. The flag should be placed in the middle of the bonnet in the case of cars. In government buildings or premises, the Brunei flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset or during office hours. Flags on an buildings and homes should be hoisted throughout the day according to authority on special occasions, such as His Majesty's birthday and National Day. The flag must not be used in such a way that it can be easily damaged. The flag must be hoisted first before any other flag and lowered once every other flag has been lowered. The Brunei flag must not contain or is present in markings and designs. (2,3) In such cases, this would imply vandalism and disrespect for the flag, and by extension, the country.

The position of how the flag is hoisted also brings different meanings. For the purpose of convenience, both the denotation and the meaning will be stated. A half-hoisted or half-masted flag is used to signify grief or mourning. It is done by first hoisting the flag fully upwards, then lowered halfway. A disteress signal is indicated by flying the Brunei flag upside down. (2,3)The examples shown above are cases where the flag is hoisted fully.

Conclusion:

As seen, country flags carry no small amount of significance. From colours to insignias, they carry a lot of meaning. They represent a country's identity, history and uniqueness. It can be seen as a sign of culture and that it represents the face of its representative country and people.

References:
1. http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/brunei-flag.htm, accessed 2 February 2012

2. http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/9/, accessed 2 February 2012

3. http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/4/, accessed 3 February 2012

Day 2,

Getting the hang of using blogger. A hectic day today. Otherwise, nothing much.

Updating soon....

Introduction

Well, looks like the blog has just been completed.

There is not much for me to type at the moment.

updating soon....