- The potency dimension, which represents the feelings of strength and weakness, that perceived by an individual. Potency scales include, serious/humorous, potent/impotent, strong/weak, heavy/light and hard and soft.[Saeed:215: 1994]
These connotative meanings do not mean that people have the same evaluative meanings for words, but they tend to use the same time dimensions to judge words. meaning can refer to interpretation.
When dealing with meaning and interpretation with children, they can appear to contradict themselves with the use of language that adult's use. This is because they tend to take the adult's questions in literal terms, in the feedback from the service users, it was pointed out that " asking children how they feel is usually avoided as children have different perceptions of what feel means to adults and it can be a confusing question" It also states in a guide interviewing children, that sentence structure is an important factor to consider, it is sometimes assumed that if a child knows all the individual words in the sentence, they therefore understand the whole sentence.
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This is not the case, so by keeping sentences short, avoiding awkward phrases and limiting pronouns, misunderstandings can be avoided. [18:2001]
This principle would also apply to people whose first language is anything other than English. This is where a qualified interpreter is someone who translates in a person's native language or who BSL for the deaf community, it is always necessary when interviewing and non-English-speaking service user to use the services of a professional interpreting service as this gives proper translation. "The interpreter must be aware of the importance of neutrality, strict translation, conveying the equivalent tone of voice, body language and even using swear words" [Wilson:74: 2001: ]
During a seminar in using translators, it was made aware that grammatically we may ask a question that will be lost in translation, or that it would be culturally inappropriate, in this instance it is expected that the translator will inform us of this problem and be asked to rephrase the question, this is why it is important to use a professional interpreter. Also if a family member or friend of the service user being interviewed was to translate it would not be possible to have an unbiased translation. When interviewing people who have hearing impairments it is important to have prior knowledge as to their level of the need for a successful interviewed to take place by carrying out an assessment of need.
communication, Definition - is the process of creating and sharing meaning through the use of symbols. It is an ongoing activity of producing meaning through messages primarily intended to be shared with others.
When covering children and communication in seminars it became apparent that listening plays a very important part of communication, poorly asked questions can hinder this process. Using minimal prompts instead of a lot of questions can show a child that they are being listened to and more importantly heard. [41: 2001]
" Listening is the ability to hear what someone is communicating completely and accurately" [ Pierson:2000:257]
Communication is the centre of our lives, it relates to symbolic interaction, which humans use to share thoughts, feelings, attitudes and ideas, whether it be verbally or none verbally [Kitdsushin and Kadushin, 1997] communication relates to the forming of relationships which is characterised by domination and subordination. Lishman (1994) argues that " communication skills are the core of social work. [ Lishman:1994:1] if we as social workers do n9oot understand all the elements of communication in which effective listening is a major element the information being transmitted is open to misinterpretation.
During many of the communication seminars service users would come in to give their views and experiences of being service users and many stressed that they would like to be heard more. This demonstrates that what is being said is not always heard. People can concentrate more on what they feel about what is being said rather than listening objectively.
Interpretation - is a communication process that aims to reveal meaning and relationships through the use interaction.
"An understanding of the part that language plays in the formation of human selves, human thought and human subjectivity underpins the post modern perspective". [240: 2002: Adams]
Non-verbal communication, use of hand gestures, facial expressions, touch, voice tones and other extra linguistic symbols also gives signals to the receiver, which is used to interpret the message. Non verbal communication refers to communication without words and it is an important part of the communication process. One type of N.V.C is body language, body language occurs when we send messages through our body positions, facial expression and other gestures. Another type of communication is referred to as paralanguage. Paralanguage consists of vocal qualities, such as tone, resonance, rhythm, speed, pitch, volume and clarity. Both body language and paralanguage can affect the meaning and interpretation of the message.
Written communication is an exception to the standard rules of communication. As writing consists of marks on paper which do not require the presence of the sender and receiver of the message in order to them to work. [19: 1996]
The communication source is a person with a purpose, or reason for engaging in communication, to exchange information, ideas or feelings with
another person, the message is transmitted in a variety of ways, Effective communication requires much more than just transmitting the message, the message must be clear and more importantly understood by the person receiving it; problems can arise due to misunderstandings / misinterpretations.
In terms of interpretation there are two elements in the process, the encoder, which is responsible for taking the ideas of the source and putting them into a code and the encoder is the interpreter.
This is not the same as the use of interpreters for people of other languages or sign language interpreters will be discussed further into the essay.
The essay will now look at the importance of understanding different cultures in social work practice, "Shared ways of seeing, thinking and doing, it gives people from different social groups, interest groups, religious groups, and countries interconnected set of shared ideas, assumptions, beliefs, values and unwritten rules. Which play a major part of the framework from which sense is made of their lives, and interactions with each other? Communication, semantics, "the study of meaning communicated through language",[3:2003:Saeed] and body language has different meanings in different cultures.
Society is divided along the major divisions of race, class, gender, sexual preference, disability and age. There are other divisions which occur as a result of inequality and discrimination, such as poverty, geographical location, mental distress and employment status. The social difference principle is based on an understanding of how the divisions interconnect and shape lives. Essential notions constrain women to subordinate roles in our society, and prevent men from taking caring roles. To enable individuals to assert their rights, there has to be recognition of diversity, not as equal but more importantly individuals with individual wants and needs. Post-structuralism challenges bring opposition "Exploring gender rationally, recognises that men and women are constructed by certain aspects of their identity, challenges other dualities, such as disabled/able-bodied, carer/ cared for. [224: 2002: ]
Power is closely linked to communication. In social worker there are two roles available, the social worker and the service user. These are asymmetrical power. Both have different kinds of power and different aspects of the relationship. The social worker has institutional power drawn from professional knowledge and agency authority. The service user controls access to personal information and family relationships they choose to disclose. [165:2005: Payne]
Psychology states that consciousness and the self emerge from the meanings and actions in social relations, through a reflective cycle. This is influenced by our understandings, language and power relations.[165:05: Payne]
In, Carl Rogers on personal power (1978) it was made clear the importance of using person centred approach when dealing with power and power balances, he states that "client centred approach, related to political situations, especially those where there is an imbalance of power. Where some people have and exercise the power to control the lives of others.[187: 19 78]
Power plays a crucial part of communication of power is the basic ingredient in understanding culture and semantics, those with power can influence language and discourse and can therefore influence the way in which life is experienced, seen and interpreted.[15:2003:Thompson]
Those exercising power have to make themselves understood by communicating their intentions or wishes. Power has an intentional element, power in communication may be analysed under four different angles, first, anaesthetic means may be used to make the communication maximally efficient. Second, aesthetical means may be used to enhance the legitimating of personal power holders. these means ends orientated forms of communication are important, however the following two are more complicated forms of power that are inherent in the communication process itself. The third is often categorised as the (language is power) approach, and finally the fourth type is not focused on the characteristics of the message, but on the implicit structure of the social relations between who participates in communicative interaction.
There are two contrasting ways of utilising power, with anti-oppressive practice in mind, there is no desire to control or manipulate and to share responsibility with whomever we deal with, by placing the final choice and authority with the service user. However the authoritative use of power exists when it is used incorrectly. This is oppressive practice, which causes destruction of the service user's self-esteem, this blind power can be used by well intentioned people, this power and control could be devastating by those who are only trying to work with service users. [15:1978]
Language used when dealing with a specific service user group can make them feel valued or devalue. It is necessary to think about the appropriate language for that particular service user, it is necessary to speak clearly and to avoid jargon speech only other professionals would be likely to understand. People with physical and mental disabilities are sometimes seen as being powerless in our society, with the use of anti-oppressive practice this enables them to own their own power. It states in communication and language, the practice that "information tends to flow more easily from the more powerful to the less powerful." [17:03] however J.L. Austin stated "the general point that is crucial to understand is not at how I language is composed bought what it does" [18: 1996] his findings was that all statements
are largely per formative and that the character of all statements, what they do, is totally determined by a set of conventions about who speaks, in the situation and with what authority.
Drawing on concepts discussed by a visiting lecturer, Kate Cairns, on hearing a lecture on communication with children who have lived through early adversity it was apparent that to communicate with these particular children different models would most likely have to be used. Before this essay goes any further it is appropriate to look at the attachment theory to understand the effects of a child who has suffered early adversity.
Attachment to the baby is predominantly associated with John Bowlby (1907 -1980). Bowlby's attachment theory consists of four basic relationship environment. An understanding of relationships helps practitioners to make sense of the way in which a child and adult react to and deal with social and emotional demands of others. The first phase is secure attachment, the relationship between the parent/caregiver, the child is loving, responsive and consistent and its sensitivity, mutual interest and concerns to the children's needs, thoughts and feelings. The child begins to understand that handle both themselves and social relationships. They are confident and valued, socially competent . They are able to cope with conflicts and appearances of everyday life. This was explained by a visiting lecturer, Kate Cairns, with handouts of her newly born grandson.
In insecure avoidant attachments, the parental care is inconsistent and unpredictable. This was shown in a seminar by watching a reconstruction of the Victoria Climbe public inquiry. There is an inability by the parent/caregiver to assess the child's moods needs and feelings. The child is neglected and communication is not always clear, which leaves the child unclear on where they stand in the relationship. The child becomes anxious and distressed; it becomes difficult for the child to understand other people.
Insecure, avoiding attachment is another form of child /parent attachment. The parent is hostile, rigid or rejecting. The parent's responsive is good when the child appears content but when faced with the distress and there is a need for comfort for child, the parent becomes withdrawn. Children show few signs of distress when separated from their parents and ignore the attachment figure on reunion. Due to a lack of emotional involvement both children and adult find it hard to handle feelings. A close relationship with the child brings the fear of rejection and pain. (Adams, et al 2000)
It has been suggested to us in a lecture by Kate Cairns, as a professional social worker that it is often difficult to reach traumatised children and often our own communication skills need expanding to enable us to reach them. This can be done in several ways, however this essay will only include the use of one, that being storytelling. Therapeutics stories enables the professional to work with children, in the hope of reaching them to let them know they are being believed and work towards the healing process, to regain personal power and eliminate unhealthy behaviour. It has been proven that this model has been used with Individuals and families, and also in the court testimony process. In a seminar on using this technique, it invoked a feeling it could cause more damage than good using this method of communication, on reflection I understand that like anything, it's a skill that needs nurturing and once the theoretical constructs and clinical principles are understood, this method has already proved a powerful tool to professionals in this field. This model is not only applicable to working with children.
In conclusion, when looking at all aspects of the communication process, each element of the process is as important as each other, and all needs to be used in conjunction with each other or the whole process is in jeopardy of producing effective communication.
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Bibliography
Bettingshaw, Erwin.P: 1994: Persuasive communication: U.S.A: Wadsworth.
Cobley, Paul: 1996: The communication theory reader; N.Y: Routledge.
Rogers, Carl: 1978: Personal power: G.B: constable.
Saeed, John, I: 1994: Semantics: Oxford: Blackwell publishing.
Thompson, Neil: 2003: Communication and language, a handbook of theory and practice: Hampshire: Pal grave Macmillan.
