Verbal Communication

One interesting thing that I read about in our reading was chapter five, section three. (page 88) In this chapter it talks about all the different languages that are spoken all over the world. What really interested me is how even though the majority of us speak English in America, we don’t use the same vocabulary throughout the United States. I know that when we are visiting family in Georgia, we can sometimes get stuck mentally for a moment because they will use a different word at times then what we use.

Another topic that “piggy backs” off of this section (5.5, page 91) in our book was the video that we watched on “Code Switching.” In this video they talked about how most everyone uses code switching to some extent.  I found this video rather interesting because I thought it was thoughtful that the school district was trying to be accommodating to the African American population. After I got thinking about it though, it may not be fair to anyone that comes from a multi-cultural background. However, maybe that is how we evolved to have different languages throughout the world.

Another section of the chapter that interested me was chapter five, section seven. (page 96-97) In the activity that reinforced active versus passive speaking, it got me thinking if I talk actively or passively. I most certainly talk actively, I am very direct and to the point. My husband however uses a little of both. I often tell him that he is “beating around the bush” or “to get to the point.” I think he does this because he often works with angry customers and can’t be as direct because otherwise it makes things worse.