Teacher Discussion Forums

Is this true?

"Standard English has become more formalized and expects the listener to follow without extra phatic encouragement."

Are you talking about a generation or a decade? It may even depend on factors like the political direction of a country and it's people. One party in a country may use more logic while the other appeals to the emotion. Popularity of a party may reflect on the people's use of language in the business world as well as casual talk if we're talking about major trends (like 40 years). Is there a context for your quote? It might help better understand.

jotham wrote:Are you talking about a generation or a decade? It may even depend on factors like the political direction of a country and it's people. One party in a country may use more logic while the other appeals to the emotion. Popularity of a party may reflect on the people's use of language in the business world as well as casual talk if we're talking about major trends (like 40 years). Is there a context for your quote? It might help better understand.

I'm talking about Standard English as a whole. Do you feel that phatic encouragement is either not taught or is seen as non-standard, generally?

Well, it may be taught in speech class as part of poise. It depends on the situation, but Americans (maybe Westerners in general) tend not to use their hands when talking formally, but certainly facial expressions play a role.

jotham wrote:Well, it may be taught in speech class as part of poise. It depends on the situation, but Americans (maybe Westerners in general) tend not to use their hands when talking formally, but certainly facial expressions play a role.

I'm talking about spoken phatic expression:

"The "small change" of conversation: remarks that, while not very meaningful, keep a conversation going - and make you sound very fluent!"

Look, for example at what is happening in the area of computer conferencing:

"Engaging in face-to-face conversation involves complex forms of behaviour called 'phatic' functions by semiologists. When we say "Hey, how's it going?" we signify our availability for communication. We usually close the conversation with another set of rituals, such as, "I've gotta go. See you later." Throughout our talk, we are continually sending phatic signs back and forth to keep the line open and to make sure messages are getting through. For example, we say such things as, "How about that!" or reply, "Yes, go on." Looks and facial expressions tacitly reassure interlocutors that they are still in touch, or on the contrary carry a warning if the communication link is threatened by technical difficulties or improprieties. All such phatic signs are bypassed in computer conferencing. Even standard codes for opening and closing conversations are discarded."

http://www.bdp.it/rete/im/feenberg1.htm