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Purposive Communication Module 1
Purposive Communication Module 1
GECC 102
Lesson 1 The Nature of Language
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MODULE I
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION
This module presents the nature of language. It is hoped that you will
learn to appreciate what language is.
OBJECTIVES
GECC 102
communication; and
2. Relate your personal experience with the input presented.
There are four lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have benefitted
from it. Work on the exercises carefully and submit your output to your
professor.
If you have queries and concerns about the topics, feel free to send
me a message and I am willing to help you better understand the lessons.
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Lesson 1
The Nature of
Language
What is language?
GECC 102
When people use language, they can understand each other because
they belong to the same speech community. They can understand each
other because in their speech community, people share the same set of
rules in the language system. While growing up, people acquire the
languages used by those in the community. This is the process of language
acquisition. The languages acquired while growing up are known as mother
tongue, which may also be referred to as first languages. People discover
later on that the other languages are needed for various reasons. These
other languages may be referred to as second languages. People learn these
languages by studying formally in school or informally on their own. This is
the process of language learning.
What happens for example, who speaks a mother tongue and English,
go to work in China where the residents speak Mandarin and a little bit of
English? Will you be able to communicate with the Chinese? The answer is
yes. Though it will be a challenge for you and your Chinese friends to try to
understand each other, eventually you will be able to communicate as you
slowly learn each other’s languages. What is happening here is called
language contact. The result of such contact may be a new form of
language. It is possible that in you attempt to communicate with each
other; you and your Chinese friend will produce a new language form that is
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understandable to both of you. Your own languages may also change as you
constantly interact and communicate with each other. Thus, language
change is the result of language contact.
THINK!
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Activity 2. What is the difference between first language and second
language?
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Lesson 2
Types of
Communication
What is Communication?
GECC 102
Different contexts can impact one’s communication. Each
communication type is governed by a particular circumstance. Thus, it is
essential to pay attention to the interplay of factors surrounding the context
of communication which may be physical, cultural, social, and psychological
in nature. Communication may then be classified according to: (1)
communication mode, (2) context, and (3) purpose and style
In fact, when meeting people for the first time, as what you may
have experienced many times, the initial meeting when you speak during
the few minutes is significant as it leaves a lasting impression on your
listeners. You show interest in meeting these people by acknowledging their
presence through an amiable, congenial disposition, and a smiling face.
Rather than just speaking, it is to use the non-verbal code through a
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GECC 102
between, among and together. An interactive exchange takes place as
interpersonal communication takes place. However, as it occurs, a
transaction does not necessarily take place since it can only be a simple
interaction such as greetings, getting to know a person, or ordinary
conversations that happen between or among the interactants. This may
occur in dyads or small groups, also known as group communication.
There are two types of organizational structure: (1) formal and (2)
informal. Formal structure allows communication to take place via
designated channels of message flow between positions in the organization.
This may make use of four approaches: (1) downward communication, (2)
upward communication, (3) horizontal communication, and (4) crosswise
communication. As the term implies, downward communication is the type
that flows from upper to lower positions, i.e., president to a manager or
supervisor, a manger to an ordinary staff. The flow of communication is top-
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religious, ethnic, social, and professional backgrounds. Even gender
difference affects communication. For instance, Australians consider eye
contact as important in assessing the sincerity of a person while for Indians,
looking straight into the eyes of a person while talking is inappropriate.
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THINK!
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structure, which do you think is the best? Cite situations which will call for
the use of each approach. Give one advantage and disadvantage of each.
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Lesson 3
Communication Processes
and Principles
Communication Models
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communication process: speaker, speech, and audience.
Note that the speaker variable here is very important. Without the
speaker, there will be no speech to be produced. Depending on the profile
of the audience, the speaker adjusts his/her speech. Some considerations
for the audience demographics are age, sex, background, culture, race,
religion, gender, social and economic status, and political orientation or
inclination, among others. Even beliefs, views, and attitudes also play an
important role when talking about audience consideration since oftentimes;
the audience brings these with them when they decode a message in any
given situation.
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information source for the sender, transmitter for the encoder, decoder
(reception), and receiver (destination) were introduced.
The source being the originator of the message acts as the encoder.
As such, the encoder should practice communication skills such as listening,
speaking, reading, and writing. His/her attitude towards the audience or
the subject as well as his/her knowledge about the topic on hand likewise
counts along with the social system that he/she is in which includes values,
beliefs and practices, and culture.
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refers to the arrangement of parts or flow of the message. The code shows
how the message is sent: that is, the language (verbal code) used and the
accompanying gestures (non-verbal code) employed.
The fourth variable is the receiver, the one who decodes the
message.
2. Be complete with the message you deliver. Make sure that your
claims are supported by facts and essential information.
5. Be specific and timely with your feedback. Inputs are most helpful
when provided on time.
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Be concise. Always stick to the point and do not beat or run around
the bush. Be brief by focusing on your main point.
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the audience will not be left wanting of any information. Always place
yourself in the shoes of the audience, who is always interested to receive
new information.
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THINK!
Activity 1. What are communication models? Why do you think they were
introduced?
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Activity 2. How do the principles of effective oral communication differ
from those of effective written communication?
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Lesson 4
Ethics of Communication
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deceives anyone in any way. Honesty is a moral character attributed to
truthfulness, straightforwardness of conduct, being trustworthy, fair, and
sincere. As an honest communicator, you volunteer to provide whatever
information you know for this builds strength of character and self-respect,
integrity, and a healthier relationship grounded on trust.
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said. Thus, being an active listener, you should be able to provide feedback
by either restating or paraphrasing the content of the message you heard.
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THINK!
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Activity 2. Why is it important to have a code of conduct or a code of
ethics?
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MODULE SUMMARY
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behavior to be able to use language more effectively and productively in
communicating with others.
Congratulations! You have just studied Module I. now you are ready
to evaluate how much you have benefited from your reading by answering
the summative test. Good Luck!!!
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SUMMATIVE TEST
Test 1. The code of ethics in the workplace should be carefully thought out
since it will guide the employees in assessing what is right and wrong from
the business. If you were to put up your own business, what values would
you incorporate in your company’s code of ethics?
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Test 2. If you were to choose a conceptual model for communication, what
would you prefer and why? How can you be guided by any of these models
when you communicate?
Reference List
Books
Websites
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https://www.best-speech-topics.com/persuasive-speech-
example.html
www2.ivcc.edu/eng10002/rubric-online.htm
http://www.balancecareers.com
https://www.iabc.com/about-us/governance/code-of-ethics
http://communicationtheory.org
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