Communication

4 Pages 1020 Words

Communication

Culture helps mold communication and communication helps mold culture. With the two fueling one another, each is essential in both studies. In answer to the question “How does cultural anthropology contribute to the study of communication”, the answer is quite simple; without cultural anthropology on could not study communication.

Communication is the passing of messages from one person, animal or even insect to another. It involves the eyes, body and movement of limbs. Language is a form of communication that is passed from generation to generation and consists of arbitrary symbols that may be written, spoken or signed. (Cultural Anthropology 2004:314) The study of communication is linguistic anthropology. It is a study devoted to communication in both humans and animals. (Cultural Anthropology 2004: 314) Understanding a group’s language and forms of communication requires a true understanding of the culture in which the groups being studied belongs to. Something such as silence can mean many different things depending on what culture is being studied. (Cultural Anthropology 2004:325)
In one culture silence could indicate powerlessness such as in Siberian households, yet in North American courts the silent jury holds the most power. (Cultural Anthropology 2004:325-326) Dress and appearance also falls into this category. Long sleeves on a North American girl’s shirt could be just a current fashion trend, while in Japan the length of sleeve on a kimono (Japanese outfit similar to a long shirt or dress) shows gender, occasion and life cycle. (Cultural Anthropology 2004: 327) The long sleeves on the North American girl is making a fashion statement, yet on the Japanese girl is could be showing that she is unmarried and at a formal occasion. Ones body movements could be interpreted in many ways as well. The study of communication that occurs through body movements, positions, facial expressions an...