4504    3:35-4:50 p.m., Monday, February 20                    Grand Ballroom West

 

Using Communication Theory to Help Reconceptualize the Past, Present and Future: Applications to Historical Figures, Intercultural Adjustments, and Interstellar Communication

 

A Theory of Coculturation

 

Melissa L. Curtin

 

Abstract

 

This paper proposes a critically based theory of “coculturation,” a theory of intercultural adjustment for the U.S. context which is inclusive of all cultural groups and which incorporates issues of ongoing negotiation of identities, contestation of histories, competing notions of standards for cultural and communicative competencies, influences of globalization, and issues of power. The theory draws upon postmodern and postcolonial metatheoretical traditions, as well as theories of acculturation/cultural adaptation, co-cultural communication, and globalization. The paper begins with a review of divergent uses of key terminology (e.g., assimilation, adaptation, acculturation, and adjustment), noting that this divergence is exemplative of opposing ideological positions of assimilationism and pluralism and fragmentation in the field (Kim, 2005). A brief historical review of theories of assimilation is presented, concluding that there still remain traces of assimilationist thinking in current theories of acculturation. A close review of three well-known theorists’ work that of Berry, Bourhis, and Y.Y. Kim, follows. While acknowledging the contributions of these scholars, the paper concludes that there is a need for a critically based theory of coculturation which does not presuppose a unidimensional model of new members of a culture adjusting to a static, homogeneous (mythical) host community. An initial outlining of the theory of coculturation is provided which acknowledges current day dynamics of power (and resistance) and which embraces all members of the national community who are adjusting to a multicultural environment in which there is continuous negotiation of identities and histories and of notions of cultural and communicative competencies. While many aspects of the theory of coculturation are adaptable to other national contexts, it is proposed that this particular theoretical work is to be understood specifically in the current day sociohistorical context of the United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3506    2:35-3:50 p.m., Sunday, February 19                     Grand Ballroom East

Creating Supportive Environments: Considerations for Communication Training in Diverse Settings

 

Empowering Adolescent Girls:

The GirlsFilmSchool as a Model of a Supportive Environment

Ashley Grisso

Abstract

In recognizing that women are underrepresented in the film, television and new media industries, the GirlsFilmSchool (GFS) program was developed to provide adolescent girls of diverse backgrounds with an environment in which they can learn the fundamentals of film, video and new media production, recognize moving image arts as a powerful mode of expression and possible career choice, and develop their self-esteem and personal voice. For the last five years, GFS has worked to impart to participants the value of a strong sense of self, to encourage the cultivation of their creative voices, and to enable the participants to publicly share their stories. Teaching girls how to envision and implement films metaphorically is a key pedagogical focus of the curriculum. This presentation will focus on how this program uses collaborative approaches to learning and nonhierarchical teaching strategies to foster a supportive environment and empower the adolescent girls.

 

 

5301    9:25-10:40 a.m., Tuesday, February 21                                          VIP Room

 

When the Spirit Moves Us: Experiences and Expressions of Spirituality in Health Care

 

Physician-Patient Relationships: Creating a New Theoretical Model for Improved Medical Interaction

Kris Kirschbaum

Abstract

 

In this paper I explore physician-patient relationships through analysis of several existing theories from the sociocultural tradition. I examine theoretical assumptions and concepts that focus on social construction of identity and traditional construction of physician-patient relationships. I provide examples of existing dynamics in these relationships, and end the paper with a proposal to combine theories of Martin Buber and Mikhail Bakhtin in a new theoretical model that creates more spiritual and satisfying relationships in medical settings.

 

 

3506    2:35-3:50 p.m., Sunday, February 19                                 Grand Ballroom East

 

Creating Supportive Environments: Considerations for Communication Training in Diverse Settings

 

Using Invitational Rhetoric as a Basis for Training in Communication Skills for Medical

 

Students

 

Kris Kirschbaum

 

Abstract

This practical application of existing theoretical communication strategies in medical settings demonstrates that training in presentational speaking and invitational rhetoric can address problems caused by lack of communication skills and communication apprehension in medical students. I suggest that without adequate training in communication, medical interactions employ default rhetorical options. These limited options are combined with pre-determined hierarchical roles, and result in an unsatisfactory experience for both physician and patient.  

 

 

3603    4:00-5:15 p.m., Sunday, February 19                                 Mesquite A

 

Reality, Art, Magic and Omnitopia

 

 

A Captivated Audience:

 

Assumptions and Perceptions of Reality TV Viewers

 

Benjamin Mabe

 

Abstract

 

This study surveyed 233 undergraduate students to explore assumptions and perceptions about Reality TV. Specifically, it measured factors regarding identification with television-mediated themes and personas, preference of Reality TV over fictional formats, and belief in Reality TV programs as accurate representations of real people and events. Significant correlations were found among all three factors. The study also measured opinions as to categories of television programs that should be included in the Reality TV genre. Post-hoc analysis of unexpected trends suggested respondents included shows based on their perception of whether a given show was realistic and factual, rather than on some universal criteria. The study suggests that further research is necessary in defining and critically analyzing the genre of Reality TV.

 

 

5408    10:50-12:05 a.m., Tuesday, February 21                            Oleander II

 

Culture and Communication: Implications for Pedagogy

 

Co-Cultured Language in Education:

A Personal Perspective

Chad Perry

Abstract

The present study explores the difficulty minority/underrepresented groups have in resisting the dominant culture's use of language. By reviewing co-cultural theory, the present paper discusses how members of underrepresented groups can become assimilated/racialized so that they start utilizing a "co-cultured language."

 

The language becomes embedded with a sense of white domination and a power of language that diminishes the underrepresented groups. How this co-cultured language is used in an educational setting is explored and some recommendations are made on how to dismantle co-cultured language.

 

4105    8:40-9:55 a.m., Monday, February 20                                Mesquite C

 

Revising and Extending Existing Communication Theories

You Scream, I Scream

Chad Perry

Abstract

The present paper reviews the origins of Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM), reviews how the theory has evolved in the past 20 years, and proposes new directions for its further development. Efforts of early scholars also plant some important seeds for what CMM would further develop: a) what happens in an exchange between participants, b) the context in which they exchange, and c) the social constructs, the environment, in which they participate. The present paper reviews the early phases of CMM, and how the theory evolved out of the great metatheory debate of the 1970s. Key points of context in speech exchange, as well as the idea of social constructs of reality, are discussed as two themes that are foundational for CMM. The paper concludes with a discussion of whether power should be considered an abstraction or a social construct and proposes using the CRT perspective to further enhance the practicality of CMM.

 

3510    2:35-3:50 p.m., Sunday, February 19                                 Oleander I

 

The Rhetoric of the Time: Valorizing the Individual in Collective Form

The Meatrix Exposed:

Creating Dystopia through Over-Reliance, Indifference and Pollution

 

Matthew D. Petrunia

 

Abstract

 

The Meatrix, a 4-minute Internet film, attempts to raise public awareness about factory farms. The Meatrix stars Leo and Moopheus who show the audience “the real world,” which represents animal mistreatment and environmental abuses. Using fantasy-theme analysis, distinct rhetorical visions are present: (1) the more we rely on machines, the more it strips away our humanity; (2) animals act more human than humans do; and (3) excrement has the power to destroy our world.

 

4504    3:35-4:50 p.m., Monday, February 20                                Grand Ballroom West

 

Using Communication Theory to Help Reconceptualize the Past, Present and Future: Applications to Historical Figures, Intercultural Adjustments, and Interstellar Communication

Theorizing the Extraterrestrial:

Authorial Assumptions and the Impact on Interstellar Communication

 

Matthew D. Petrunia

 

Abstract

This essay attempts to dissect authorial assumptions contained within Earth’s three purposeful interstellar messages, Pioneer 10 and 11, the Arecibo Radio Telescope (ART), and Voyager 1 and 2 messages. Utilizing Narveson’s (1985) taxonomy, (1) physical makeup, (2) sensory capabilities, (3) information processing, (4) emotional capability and (5) the extraterrestrials’ value system, an audience analysis is conducted to discern how the message-framers’ perception of an extraterrestrial impacted both message content and organization. After conducting this study, it was discerned how arduous a task it was for message framers to step outside the human context when encoding information. Further, this essay uncovers an overarching authorial assumption concerning extraterrestrials deeply embedded in all message elements; extraterrestrials are symbol-using entities when it comes to communication. Interstellar message framers earnestly believe symbolic communication is not unique to the human species. Despite how evolutionarily advanced an extraterrestrial may be, it is assumed they cannot transcend a symbolic communication system. If extraterrestrials could abandon a symbolic communication system, then any attempt at interstellar communication would be meaningless.

 

5401    10:50 a.m.-12:05 p. m., Tuesday, February 21                              VIP Room

 

Revising and Extending Existing Communication Theories

When Communication Goals Backfire:

The Ideographic Misconstruction of Iraqi Freedom

Matthew D. Petrunia

 

Abstract

Members of the Iraqi soccer team were outraged when their Olympic experience was appropriated by George W. Bush to improve his chances for a second presidential term. In an Olympic-inspired campaign commercial entitled, Victory, Bush suggests the presence of Afghanistan and Iraq at Athens validates his claim these two nations are free. However, the Iraqi Olympic soccer team views this revelation as untrue, based largely on their interpretation of the rhetorical ideograph, freedom. The Iraqi and US interpretations for freedom are incompatible, which resulted in an object conflict. President Bush believes the condition of freedom for Iraq was satisfied with the removal of Saddam Hussein. However, the Iraqi soccer team’s vision of freedom is more complex, existing only if three specific conditions are satisfied: [1] Iraq must be able to live in safety, [2] to exist without the presence of an occupying force, and [3] to have the right of self-determination.

 

 

3111    9:00—10:15 a.m., Sunday, February 19                             Celebrity Room

 

Comparison, Media and Change in Intercultural Communication

 

Individualism and Collectivism on Ethnicity and Gender

 

Misato Yoshikawa

 

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to investigate cultural values, Individualism-Collectivism across five ethnic groups: African, Asian, European, Latino, and Native Americans and across gender. It determined 1) how ethnic group membership predict the levels of individualism and collectivism, 2) whether gender mediates the impact of ethnicity on individuals’ cultural value orientation, and 3) whether rapid global change influence on patterns of individualism-collectivism and gender roles in the United States. The major findings of this study are as follows: 1) gender did not moderate the impact of ethnicity on individuals’ cultural value orientation, 2) there were very few differences on individualism, independence, and interdependence across five ethnic groups, and 3) there were rapid global change influence on patters of individualism-collectivism, and 4) there were no rapid global change influence on gender roles.