The Basics of Communication

Extracted text from The_Basics_of_Communication.pptx:

The Basics of Communication How we understand meaning How we know when we have understood

Processing Effort, Benefits, and Relevance How we select Context Adapted from: Bible Translation Basics: Communicating Scripture in a Relevant Way Harriet Hill, Ernst-August Gutt, Margaret Hill, Christoph Unger, Rick Floyd Dallas: SIL International, 2011

How we understand meaning 1. We look for what seems to be most important 2. Speakers claim to have something worth paying attention to

This is the essence of Relevance The Basics of Communication, Part 1

How we understand meaning 3. People say less than they mean underdeterminacy 4. We work out the meaning

We figure out what is meant from what is said by using context.

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

How we know when we have understood 1. Making sense Cognitive benefits are changes in our thoughts that result from incoming information. We consider something relevant if it brings cognitive benefits.

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

How we know when we have understood 2. Kinds of cognitive benefits a. Strengthening thoughts b. Eliminating thoughts c. New implications

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

Processing effort, Benefits, and Relevance Effort and Benefit determine Relevance Relevance is determined by the difference between effort and cognitive benefits Processing effort is the effort it takes to understand something

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

Processing effort, Benefits, and Relevance Speakers are only as exact as necessary nonliteralness Extra effort should lead to extra benefits

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

Processing effort, Benefits, and Relevance Reasons for communication failure Expectations are not high enough or too high

Expectations are filled, but not in the intended way Extra effort, no extra benefits The Basics of Communication, Part 1

How we select context Contextual mismatches and secondary communication Primary communication is addressed to an audience directly

In secondary communication, a second audience is trying to understand what was designed for another audience

The Basics of Communication, Part 1

How we select context Contextual mismatches and secondary communication A contextual mismatch happens when the context intended by the speaker does not match the context the audience supplies. Translators need to be alert for contextual mismatches that prevent their audience from understanding Scripture. The Basics of Communication, Part 1