Part 1. At the beginning of the first part where I couldn't use any hand signals or talking, was difficult. My partner that was conversing with me was a little puzzled on why I was doing this. They then asked more questions that were a yes or no answer. If the person that was speaking to me was in a different culture, I think they would have a greater advantage in communicating more complex scenarios because of the use of hand signals, noises, or other gestures. The speaking culture might find it harder to decipherer the culture that doesn't use symbolic language.
Part 2. I could not go the full 15 minutes without using any embellishments. The thing that made it difficult for this experiment was my use of hand signals when I was speaking. If I wanted to tell someone a location of an object, I would often point or make a gesture of where it was. My partner that I was speaking to usually told me to repeat the question again that I previously asked and thats when I used my hand signals to help them better understand. The non-speach language that we use basically everyday can help us better explain what we are trying to say and can also help the person on the other side of your conversation have a better understanding also. There can be people that have difficulty reading body language but if you are very expressive of it, everyone should be able to somewhat get an understanding of what you were trying to communicate. I don't think there would be any benefit of not reading body language.
How was this difficult for you, personally, to complete the first experiment? Why did your partner switch to yes or no questions? Expand.
ReplyDeleteYou are suggesting that the non-speaking culture would have the advantage, but you need to consider my question above: Why did you partner switch to yes or no questions? The point raised in the guidelines specifies "complex" ideas. Is it possible to communication and discuss complex ideas using only signs? Can you explain Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection without spoken language? I can't. This is the key to this section of the assignment... The culture using spoken language would have the advantage in communicating complex ideas, giving them an overall advantage over a culture without spoken language. Imagine trying to plan a hunting party without symbolic language. Which culture would be more successful?
Much better description of your experience in Part B.
No, not everyone can read body language, which is why I ask the question. In particular, individuals in the autism spectrum are noted for their inability to read body language. Those who are blind also have trouble reading body language, though they can still read vocal intonation.
With regard to the benefit of NOT reading body language, can you think of any situation when body language might mislead you? Hint: Do all cultures use the same system of body language?
Hi
ReplyDeleteI have to say everyone is saying they could not last for the whole 15 minutes its difficult but not impossible. Its difficult for those such as you and I since we are use to talking with our body language and showing our emotions.
Zach
ReplyDeleteYou probably use a lot of body movement when you speak which is probably why it was difficult for you. I've spoken to people that show very little body language and it makes for a very uninteresting conversation. I agree that there are no benefits of not being able to read body language. Without it, we would have difficulty trying to figure out what the person is really trying to express.
-Vionne