Sunday, September 18, 2011
Language and Meaning
Steven Pinker's talk on the relationship between language and human nature.
Here's a link in case the embedding didn't work:
http://youtu.be/3-son3EJTrU
Basically, Pinker discusses the phenomenon of mutual knowledge, its distinction from individual knowledge, and how individuals verbally relate to one another in various situations. For example, one of the main subjects he covers has to do with the appropriateness of certain behavior or language when applied in a friendly situation, vs. in a professional situation (or any other relationship mode). I found this a very interesting subject, particularly when he discusses innuendo and implied meanings, since discerning between the actual words said and the real content of those words must be a rather complicated cognitive process. I never thought something like 'awkwardness' could be discussed scientifically/linguistically, but here it is.
I also highly recommend checking out the whole RSA Animate series, as they have LOTS of great animated lectures available on all kinds of great subjects.
Alisa Nadolishny
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The topics covered in this video can be put to the test in our everday life. Many interesting topics were covered. for instance, Language has to do with some sort of bribe or command.
According to James Fisk, there are 3 types of human relationships which are DOMINANCE, COMMUNALITY, RECIPROCITY. Dominance is a relationship which you would share with a boss, Communality is more of a friendship, and Reciprocity is some kind of business transaction, (You scratch my back, I scratch yours) What u can get away with a communality relationship you wouldn't be able to get away with it in a Reciprocity relationship. they gave the perfect example of the typical friends doing business together, which in most cases never works. Negotiating a price on a car might put a strain in the friendship.
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