Aided conversations differ from spoken ones in their transitions between turns and symbols because seeking and choosing symbols takes more time than speaking words naturally. This study adopted the concepts and principles of conversation analysis (CA) to analyze the transitions between symbols during the construction of aided turns. The data was…

Asserts that the distinguishing focus of the communication discipline is symbolic activity. Suggests that wide recognition of this focus, its scope and coherence would help to resolve important discipline-related controversies. (MS)

The article reviews augmentative and alternative communication symbol classifications reported in the literature over the past decade. The "aided/unaided" dichotomy (based on user production of the symbol) is proposed as the superordinate level of classification, rather than the "static/dynamic" (based on transmission of…

Describes the creation of a new language for the purpose of increasing participant's understanding of the nature of language. (MB)

The intent of a liberal education is to enhance the student's freedom, the faculty of intentional choice. The capacity of humans to step outside of themselves, which allows development of self-concept and subsequently self-esteem, is potentiated by the humans' unique sign, the symbol. Each of the liberal arts is concerned with the development and…

A descriptive, qualitative research design was used in a study that examined the formal socialization process in high technology organizations. The primary objective was to determine if organiations involved in high technology tended to exhibit similar symbology in the discourse produced by management for the formal socialization process. Data…

Puppetry has potential for illuminating many aspects of human life. One of these aspects, the system of language and speech, is explored here. An examination of the widespread use of a voice-modifying instrument to provide the puppets' voices demonstrates that traditional puppeteers act both as folk linguists and as folk sociolinguists. The study…

Examines the meanings young children express in talk, pictures, and written text, focusing on the integration of the three. Findings illustrate children's exploration of imagined worlds through drawing and talk and the potential problems children face in transferring those worlds to text. (SRT)

Oral communication is the primary mode used by members of organizational groups to build and intercommunicate shared cultural myths and values. Verbal communication within organizational groups--businesses, church congregations, nursing teams, and the like--is the foundation of the reality shared by members of the groups. Finding the master…

The paper describes the Makaton Vocabulary as an alternative communication mode for children and adults with communication and language difficulties. The language program comprises the following components: a core vocabulary based on concepts/items needed to express essential needs and experiences; the use of signs and/or symbols always associated…

THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS, THE DIFFICULTIES OF COMMUNICATION ARE PRESENTED IN THIS BOOK. TOPICS CONSIDERED FIRST ARE THE RECEIVING AND EVALUATING OF SENSORY EXPERIENCE, AND THE TRANSLATING OF THIS EXPERIENCE INTO SYMBOLS, INTO THE SILENT LANGUAGES OF TIME, COLOR, AND SPACE, AND INTO COMMON WORDS. THE EMPHASIS IS THEN SHIFTED…

Language consists of symbols written, spoken, or thought about things, places, or feelings seen or unseen. Any block, interference, or impasse to the acquirement of symbolic language can result in a learning disability. Oral language must precede the graphic. The purpose of this handbook is to suggest practical approaches and techniques which will…

Three of four severely retarded adolescents and young adults learned to use computer-based lexigrams to request foods and, subsequently, objects. Additional request experience with lexigrams resulted in consistent improvement on labeling and comprehension tasks, emergence of subject-initiated lexigram communications, and facilitation of spoken…