Let's Think About Communication:
1. What do you expect to learn from this pod-casting project?
From this project, I expect to learn more not only about my fellow Japanese language students, their interests and reasons for learning Japanese, but also more about myself as a language learner and more about how I can become an independent language learner. When learning a language, there is only so much that a teacher or class can do for you, and part of this podcast project ties to the theme of becoming a more independent language learner.
Additionally, this project is about learning how to effectively communicate a message to an audience consisting of both Japanese language students and Japanese netizens worldwide. By learning how to communicate effectively across cultural borders, the process of language-learning becomes a deeper part of the student's life.
Which leads us to the next question...
2. What does "communication" mean to you?
Communication, although it is a part of every human being's everyday life, is actually an amazing a complicated process. How can one transmit an idea (composed of electrical signals in one's brain) into the mind of someone else? How can we get those electrical signals to fire in a similar manner? The answer is communication--taking the ideas from your brain and transplanting them into someone else's brain. Without it, nothing in the modern world that we take for granted would be possible.
Because the main theme of this podcast is "communication," we have to keep in mind that other people's brains do not necessarily work that same way that ours do. With this in mind, while trying to transmit our message, we have to take into account cultural and social differences, as well as the different temperaments and preconceptions of our viewers. Our podcast has to present our worldview in a way that is both polite and engaging, and in a way that is straightforward enough that the core of our message will not be lost.
I believe that the most effective way to do this is to rely mostly on "showing" our message rather than "telling" our viewers what our opinion is. Although the most effective method of communication is technically short and succinct sentences, we also want to present an entertaining and engaging podcast, so we will mostly rely on "showing" because "telling" would be boring!
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I really like your explanation of what communication is to you. When formulating my opinion I did not even think to consider the transmission of electrical signals that goes on in our brains. I think that is a very good way of putting it. It is a good point you bring up that it is necessary for us to make sure people understand what is going in our brains since not everyone thinks the same. Although, you mention that it would be most effective to show someone your idea. I feel that it is not just showing that will effectively communicate ideas but there also has to be some kind of explanation and interaction between the two minds. An explanation should be given and told to enhance understanding of the idea that’s being communicated.
ReplyDeleteYou raise very good points. I especially liked your response to the first question: "By learning how to communicate effectively across cultural borders", we will be able to become autonomous learners. I also liked how you described communication in terms of electrical signals in our brains. I also agree that we should focus more on "showing" the message, rather than "telling" the opinion (that's what essays are for).
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