Exam 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives

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According to Hymes, an ethnographer should observe the following five things about communication:

1. Speech acts: Ethnographers should observe the specific acts of communication, such as requests, promises, and greetings, to understand how they are used within a speech community. For example, in the Navajo community, the use of specific greetings and polite language is important in everyday interactions.

2. Context: Ethnographers should pay attention to the context in which communication takes place, including the physical setting, social relationships, and cultural norms. For instance, in the Amish community, communication within the family may be more formal and respectful compared to communication with outsiders.

3. Norms of interaction: Ethnographers should observe the unspoken rules and expectations that guide communication within a speech community. For example, in Japanese culture, there are specific norms for turn-taking in conversations, with pauses and silence playing a significant role.

4. Interpretation: Ethnographers should consider how communication is interpreted and understood within the speech community, including the use of idiomatic expressions and nonverbal cues. For instance, in the Deaf community, nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language are crucial for understanding the meaning of signed communication.

5. Social roles: Ethnographers should observe how communication reflects and reinforces social roles within the speech community, including gender, age, and status differences. For example, in many African cultures, elders are expected to be addressed with specific respectful language and gestures, reflecting their esteemed social role.

By observing these aspects of communication, ethnographers can gain a deeper understanding of how language and interaction function within a particular speech community.