Communication Matters II

The following series of lectures draws on linguistics, or the scientific study of

language, to show the many ways in which language has a profound effect

upon human relationships. These lectures address the various aspects and

implications of what Professor Tannen calls “conversational style.” It also

looks at the dynamics of specific situations such as the workplace and class

room where the role of conversational style is of particular importance.

A person’s conversational style includes far more than the words that he or

she speaks. Each conversation is composed of contextual cues, unspoken

messages, body language, and the rhythms of speech. For the most part,

people communicate without a conscious focus on the subtleties of language.

Through this course, the complexities of language, and all that language

entails, will become more apparent.

A better understanding of language, of how we communicate, and of how

our ways of communicating differ based on who we are talking to should lead

not only to a better understanding of ourselves and of those with whom we

have relationships, but should also lead to improved communication. Our lan

guage shapes our lives in numerous, complex ways. These lectures help us

to make sense of our language and will help to improve our relationships with

friends, spouses, and coworkers.