In contrast to overly cognitive and excessively reductive information models of communication, Hans Georg Gadamer provides a viable alternative for discussing conversation. There seems to be a competition in Gadamer's writings between conversation and text, so that his project of textual interpretation has an important impact on his treatment of…

A new series of studies on adults' and infants' perception of phonetic "prototypes," exceptionally good instances of phonetic categories, show that prototypes play a unique role in speech perception. Phonetic category prototypes function like "perceptual magnets" for other stimuli in the category. They attract nearby members of…

A description of a 45-year university teaching career which included the development of a Speech and Communications department at California Polytechnic State University reveals that even though burn-out is a periodic influence on professional performance, one overriding element--a love of teaching--sustained the commitment of this professor. A…

In 1992, a nationwide poll of active forensics programs concluded with an open ended question of how to increase participation in NDT (National Debate Tournament) debate that yielded four goals. The first goal, re-emphasizing communication skills, arose because NDT has emphasized rapid delivery above all else. NDT needs to be more entertaining to…

This paper addresses the question whether or not forensics is a cult. The paper states that forensics can be compared to the criteria listed on the "Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry Homepage" which says that a cult is a group that is unorthodox, esoteric, and has devotion to a person, object, or new set of ideas. In keeping…

On the basis of theoretical reflection and personal experience, this paper offers five guidelines for fostering dialogical learning experiences in consulting in the field of communication. After a discussion of the author's dialogical learning experiences in overcoming communication problems with his father, the paper provides these guidelines:…

As an increasing number of communication professionals embark on careers in training and consulting, it is imperative that they ground their work in sound ethical principles and related practices. Recognizing the importance of ethics as a discipline, the National Communication Association (NCA) is in the process of developing a code of ethics for…

Noting the continued growth of centers for teaching and learning on college campuses, this paper discusses the increasing involvement of speech communication professionals as directors/coordinators of such centers. The paper's first section examines the role of a communication consultant and describes the knowledge and skills needed for effective…

Literature reviews have indicated there is a lack of data on public relations curriculum development for communication and business departments. Observations have been reported of "spectacular" growth in public relations courses in communication (Grunig, 1989). The first multi-disciplinary survey (3,201 college and university catalogs)…

Despite its longevity as an educational activity, little empirical evidence exists to support the notion that academic debate is of value to participants. Numerous contemporary texts have proposed and advanced the claim that debating enhances the critical thinking skills of participants. Several of these texts find this claim so apparent that it…

Traditional course outlines in a hybrid communication course cover the "elements" areas before discussion of different forms and types of relationships. This paper proposes a structure whereby the development of relationships is presented first, and the elements are examined as communication factors that promote or discourage a…

The primary goal of the basic course in speech should be to investigate oral communication rather than public speaking. Fundamental to understanding oral communication is some understanding of the oral mind, that operates when orality is the primary means of expression. Since narrative invites action rather than leisurely analysis, the oral mind…

This paper considers discourse models of knowledge and use and social problem solving that revive the tradition of dialectical reasoning (the broader term) or rhetoric, i.e., the art of using language, in speaking or writing, to convince others that something is true, right, or better. Discourse models of knowledge use allow taking the…

The relationships between mothers' and children's speech were analyzed with regard to complexity and usage of selected speech types. The findings suggest that the responsiveness of child speech to mothers' speech seems to influence the mothers' language complexity, allowing the child to exert an influence on his language environment. (JMB)

A theoretical analysis of the reply (in conversation), from which, it is claimed, conclusions may be drawn for methodological work. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)