Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
On the third, or most intentional and aware level (the signal
level), processes are slower, more aware and deliberate than on the
lower levels. The main communicator can now engage in what we
will call signaling, which involves not only displaying (showing)
something, but also intending that the recipient becomes aware that
something is being displayed. Using language normally involves
this level of intentionality and awareness, since language is a system
for communication that conventionally presupposes “signaling”
to a recipient. Linguistic expressions are conventional “signals” or
conventional means for displaying that you are displaying (showing
that you are showing).
On the recipient side, signaling is related to better perception
and understanding. On this level, the recipient moves beyond
discrimination and identification to understanding, which in the
model is equivalent to connecting perceived input information to
stored background information in a meaningful way. Understanding
linguistic expressions provides a special case of this process that can
be brought out by considering the case of trying to understand a
language you don't know. Imagine you hear (or see) the phrase hao
che from a Chinese person and don't know Chinese. You will probably
be able to discriminate and to some extent identify the sounds, but
you will not be able to understand, since you cannot connect your
perceived input to an already stored background in a meaningful
way. However, if you know Chinese, you will be able to do this and
understand what is being said. Now compare this example to hearing
Figure 2. A dynamic system of communication, involving two communicators and three
levels of co-activation, which infl uence each other.
(Color image of this fi gure appears in the color plate section at the end of the topic.)
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