I do think that communication is a patterned of interactions. The way the book explains that the pragmatic perspective is like a game makes sense to me. I do think that it can be a game and that when you talk to someone you are the partners in the game. In order to start communicating with another person, one has to make the first move. After the first move is made, then the other person responds and makes their move. It usually goes back and forth like chess. In order for one to communicate, another has to be willing to play back and communicate with them. If a person is not going to communicate, then the game won’t work. Also in terms of communication, like a game, come people like to “play games” with others. Some know what to say and when to say it, in order to get a reaction from another person. They know how to control the game and play it in their favor. Just like other board games, some people have them figured out and they know what moves to do and when to make it so they can win. Just like with communication, so people know when to say things and how to say it to either win an argument, or to persuade someone to agree with them. Not all communication though is like a game, but some of it is.
Hi Roro,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in the sense that not all communication is like a game, but here is where we differ in our words, some of it may appear to look like a game. Communication can have the same back and forth like pattern in its exchanging of messages and symbols. Communication usually happens in pairs or more, but can also exist solo as Intrapersonal Communication. All of this appears to be just like a game, but games come to an end, and communication is an ongoing never-ending process. Communication is happening even while we sleep; can you even imagine playing a game literally in your sleep? LOL
The Fur-Kid
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you incorporated the concept of the game and talked about someone "making the first move". It's true that when conversing with someone whether for the first time or reuniting there is one person who has to signal in some sort of way that communication between the two "players" is now starting. Almost like the ringing of a bell or blow of the whistle before a match begins. I also related this concept to the game of chess because it seems to be the most applicable game. It makes sense because it's a strategic game of wits which requires a thought process and playing in a certain pattern. Furthermore, people do have the tendency to play games with each other and some people are very good at it; practiced in the art of manipulation if you will. Thus, it truly does become a game. Very well written!