Speech Events - The Lack of Speech

hey guys, check out this video,
i thought it video was really interesting and connected to our lecture we had last week!

watch from 2:00 minutes - 4:00 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hzCfOvsq64

To summarize, this clip shows how even without speech in communication, speech events are still governed by rules. This clip also demonstrates that without speech, communication can still be accomplished with gestures.

This video demonstrates the offer/appeal of a good, the acceptance of a good, and a thank you all through gestures.

At 3:05, Creature "5" gives creature "9" a light bulb and is able to demonstrate that he is giving "9" a gift and insists that he/she accepts it.

At 3:30, "5" again is able to alert "9" and make sure that he/she takes cover for safety as "5" will protect them.

As I watched the video, I could imagine the exact words that would have been spoken, even though no words were spoken at all. I guess this video goes to show that even when speech is not used in communication, speech norms are still followed through a series of gestures.

To end this post, I would like to challenge some of you to go out and try to converse with someone without speech and use only gestures, but at the same time follow the norms of speech events as we have learned in class.

Speech Acts

As a Canadian (North American) in Singapore, I have to somewhat agree with the research done on the speech acts/responses from Singaporeans and Americans (Westerners). From what I’ve experienced so far in Singapore, I find that the a lot of Singaporeans are conservative and try to “save face.” I often get confused, awkward responses from locals after giving a simple complement. Earlier this week, I complimented a fellow student on his haircut and asked where he got it from. In return, I was given an awkward stare like I was invading his personal face. After an awkward pause, he uneasily muttered out the name of the barber shop/salon. In another case, I complimented a girl on her outfit for the night, and in return the girl turned away from me, looked down and quietly thanked me. I’m not sure if I have been conversing with the small population of Singapore that is shy or if that is the more actually the more common response I will get.

In North America, complimenting people is taken very well. People will often respond with an enthusiastic thank you, and return the compliment or agree with the one you made. Rarely will a compliment be turned down or unnoticed.

Please do tell me if I am “judging” Singapore by the wrong individuals! haha