Written Discourse

After a one week Chinese new year cum not-so-mid semester break, we had our first class after the break. It was quite a refreshing and interesting class today with plenty of fruiftul discussion. The topic for today was on written discourse.

We went through various writing styles by people of different cultural groups, namely the English linearity, Arabic parallelism and the oriental circularity. What struck me in today's class is how the similar pieces of information/ideas/opinions can be penned down in such distinctive ways by different authors. Specifically, we read of how this Chinese writer crafts his poetry form of writing to bring forth a hidden message. This makes me think of how restrictive and controlled people's writings are at that time. They were so aware of the dangers of directly critising people and things, such that they phrase their writing in another manner. I feel that such writing are even more powerful and intelligent, as they make use of imagery and metaphors to make their point in a subtle way. Moreover, they are socially sensitive in not offending people as their message is conveyed in an indirect form.

An interesting point I have learned today is that using the same language does not necessarily mean miscommunication will not surface. In fact, even if people of different cultural backgrounds speak a common language, there still may likely be miscommunication or communication problems. Another useful point I have learned today is how even making a simple request through a letter have its own structure and approach. We read about how a Chinese writer in Australia phrased his request in a very courteous and structured manner. The structure was from salutation, facework, reasons for request, request and sign-off. They can vary in terms of the order. After this class, I believe I will be able to plan my writings in a more structured manner, as well as consider carefully whether the reader, with or without necessary background, will be able to understand my writings.

A unique resignation letter, but it follows a certain structure too! :)

Spoken Discourse

Today in class we learnt about speech events in greater detail, and analyzed the spoken discourse of speech events. One specific example is that of telephone conversations, and how they often followed a unspoken structure. Participants of a telephone conversation take turns to speak, and that in fact is a kind of pattern we subconsciously follow. We also looked at specifically Chinese phone openings and how they consisted of relation-oriented comments and other-oriented questions. I feel that the reason why Chinese often begin in such a manner because it shows we treasure relationship a lot. By showing concern and finding out more about the person's well-being first, it shows that Chinese generally emphasize more on relationship than task.

Another interesting discovery is that technology plays a significant role in how we communicate nowadays. Just like we discussed in class today that with the invention of Caller-ID, less people begin the conversation by asking the other party's identity or stating their identity. Also, young people nowadays prefer to converse through SMS, facebook or MSN as compared to real-life face-to-face conversations. I feel that through this various communication channels, our expressions and conversations may become shorter and more brief. Also, people will start to have less awareness and sensitivity to real-life expressions, body language and non-verbal communication. Perhaps, from today onwards, I should try to cut down on my sms and facebook, but make more meaningful conversations with my friends in real life. :)

Something to de-stress after a busy week :

Speech Events

During today's class, the lesson and discussion revolved around speech events which are basically defined as structured activities governed by rules for use of speech. Also, the 10 parts of a speech event was explained, with examples given. As I look back on today's lesson, I began to have a clearer picture of what a speech event constitutes and how speech events helps us to understand more about a culture or a group of people.

When Dr Deng taught in greater details about the various components of speech events, I was intrigued by the fact how these components actually shape and form the speech events. For example, the setting of the speech event can actually greatly affects the speech event itself. Take for instance, when a person make a speech in a classroom as compared to when that same person make a speech in a huge auditorium in front of a few hundred people. I am sure the manner in which he starts off his speech, as well as the actual contents of his speech will vary greatly. There may even be more pauses or stammering when he speaks in front of a larger audience size.

The other issue I found interesting in today's class is when we talked about a specific speech event, like the Japanese marriage proposal. As I found out in today's class, there are actually quite a number of hidden rules as to how a guy should propose to a lady in the Japanese context. It makes me wonder how these hidden rules came about and why some people still hold on to these rules subconsciously. Why does it have to be the male who proposes to the female first? Can't it be the other way round? I thought females are arguing for equality treatment in the modern context, so if we want to be truly equal, any party can initiate a marriage, right?

Also, I feel that perhaps the idea of kneeling down when proposing shows the sincerity and respect one has towards the other, and also the solemnness, spirituality and trust in this new commitment which both parties are entering into. In Aztec culture, when a man decided he fancied the idea of getting engaged, he has to speak to his parents who then consulted with community elders. Approaches were made to the family concerned and, if accepted, the engagement was in place. Before the wedding could be held, the soothsayer was consulted as to lucky wedding days. If the couple married on a bad day, their union was doomed. This whole wedding game sounded like it involved so many people in the marriage, and even the day of marriage plays such a critical role in the marriage itself. I wonder if this still holds true in the modern context, say in Singapore culture. Are we still bounded by past beliefs and traditional norms, like where a marriage is not just about two people, and how marriage dates are so instrumental in the success of a marriage?


Just wanna end this post with an interesting marriage proposal :)