What is communication? This is certainly a loaded question, but an important one to ponder, especially for someone pursuing language study to meet particular goals. In putting together our podcast project, my group and I have readily discussed how we can best identify and successfully implement ruptures in language and in formality between native and non-native Japanese language speakers to convey our larger messages. Indeed, communication is not solely bound to language and to understand communication, it is of profound importance to have an equal understanding of lapses in communication. Thus, we hope to use this opportunity to learn what not to say, and how not to act in a variety of would-be-organic situations, be researching and eventually showcasing (through our podcast) the importance of acting in accordance with proper notions of formality or informality depending on the situation. We further hope to learn how one can successfully develop rapport through effective communication, as well as how communication barriers can be (patiently) navigated and potentially circumvented altogether by way of proper, vigorous language learning.
As a graduate student in the social sciences and humanities, reflecting on language within the larger category of communication is crucial. It is arguably the most central factor to the proliferation of my research ability and career marketability. My projected career will require me to communicate not only people of different linguistic backgrounds, but also written scholarship and early texts, all of which require solid working language aptitude. Proper communication is thus absolutely essential to my work and goals, and will hopefully allow me the ability to participate in collaborative learning and inquiry across numerous boundaries.
ジョン
ジョンさん こんにちは。
ReplyDeleteYour group has brought up an interesting point that to learn "what not to say" is often more important than to learn what to be said in Japan. Hope your podcast presentation is not only showcasing barriers, but also addressing how to overcome these barriers.
Good luck!
TA_S
Dear TA_S,
DeleteThank you very much for your comment and for encouraging us to continue pursuing this topic. Hopefully we can showcase the nuances of "what not to say" to your expectations! And please do not worry, we will be sure to offer (and perhaps explore ourselves) numerous avenues through which one can potentially navigate such situations, successfully overcoming such barriers.
Thanks again,
Jon
Jon san,
ReplyDeleteEspecially as a member of your group, I totally agree with your definition of communication - it's a fallible medium that must be not only linguistically but also culturally interpreted. I like that you related clear and precise communication to your own career ambitions. Communication is definitely not just a tool - it's a passport to countless spheres of learning and discovery!
Anna Raskind
Anna,
DeleteThank you for the comment! Its good that we are all on the same page with this. The subtleties of the "cultural" elements of communication are often more difficult to become fluent in. Though, both the "linguistic" and "cultural" are, I think, highly entangled.
And what a passport it is!
Jon