How do children learn to communicate, and what do they learn? Traditionally, most theories have taken an associative, compositional approach to these questions, supposing children acquire an inventory of form-meaning associations, and procedures for composing / decomposing them; into / from messages in production and comprehension. This paper…

This paper illustrates how behavioral models which embody a critical language can be used to describe and predict some categories of classroom events. It defines teaching-learning as a set of events which are mediated primarily by a person, the consequence of which is change in behavior of a second person. A language for describing this phenomenon…

An active program of information preparation and dissemination is necessary to assure that interpreters (administrative staff, teaching staff, parents, students, and others) are receiving, understanding, and transmitting unbiased information based upon fact. (MJB)

Business students, despite their regional differences, should understand the communication techniques most frequently used within the business environment, should be able to apply written communication skills, and should develop an awareness of communication theory. (KS)

Illustrates the use of the clozentropy method to examine the varieties of linguistic communities now in existence. (RN)

This paper proposes a theoretical approach to mediated communication in organizations. It is argued that the man/machine interface in mediated human communication is better dealt with when a comprehensive theoretical approach is used than when separate communication devices are tested as they appear in the market, such as video-teleconferencing.…

Four styles based on Carl Jung's behavioral functions are discussed: intuiting, thinking, feeling, and sensing. By recognizing these styles in oneself and others, and communicating with others in their primary styles (style-flexing), communication can be more effective. A chart presents typical personal characteristics associated with the four…

The Sequential Analysis of Verbal Interaction (SAVI) categorizes verbal behavior in terms of approach or avoidance of the problem of communication. It reflects both verbal and nonverbal interaction and treats all verbal behavior as problem-solving behavior. Chapter One describes the theoretical assumptions and framework of the system. Chapters Two…

A format is suggested for synthesizing message centered methods into standard rhetorical criticism. (CH)

Comment includes implications for communication theory. (CH)

This investigation sought to learn what communication behavior, if any, differentiated high- from low-Machiavellians. Two independent variables were examined, Machiavellianism (high and low) and experimental condition (naive and confederate). Dependent variables included the 12 categories of Bales' Interaction Process Analysis. The results suggest…

Currently, two trends are converging that will shape the future of communication theory. One is "the new narcissism"--a phenomenon characterized by prescriptions for personal fulfillment such as those reflected in popular psychologies and religions. The second trend is the scientific revolution concerned with exchanging static models of reality…

While rhetorical theory has long been concerned with the epistemological foundations of rhetorical abilities, the full potential of the structuralist perspective is far from realized. The study of speech acts and inventive processes discloses the underlying logic of linguistic performance. A speech act is conceptualized in terms of the…

In "The Symbolic Uses of Politics," Edelman presents the thesis that the symbolic output of a political system is a primary force in the development of the system's legitimacy. An examination of this thesis in the context of the political systems of several emerging nations in Sub-Saharan Africa reveals that it must be refined. Because…

This pamphlet contains many guidelines and suggestions for increasing communication effectiveness. Some typical communication problems and several theories of communication are examined; suggestions for improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are offered. Special clues for radio and television communication are also included.…