We nod

Post 2: Communication

2009-09-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

Many of us would agree that communication play a vital role in our lives. Language and words help us materailize our ideas, opinions, emotions and feelings daily. Ok, I am not here to trumpet praises about the brilliance of communication, but more of brightening up your day with these silly pictures. Let us figure out what they are really trying to say.

No comments. Really.

They really mean business with their health precautions.

Pets are now eco-friendly!

Does the sign even have any meaning to it?

So you see, language and words are also subjected to miscommunication.

As we all know language is a system of symbols whose meaning is primarily derived from social agreement and convention. Language miscommunication, or more commonly known as 'Lost in translation', happens usually on second language. For example, the Chinese from Mainland China would have a bit of trouble in translating. Simple phrases for you and I, could turn out vulgar or inapt, as seen above.

Therefore, we should be aware of geographical differences and cultural emphasize. Abstraction is apparent and we should be flexible in the language we use. Afterall, we would not want to stray away from communication's main objective, to connect and dispose ideas. In additional, we should be objective and engage in perceptive checking.

Post 1: Perception

2009-09-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hey there guys! Its been a long time since I've used Blogger (since 2004 actually), so here's my first academic come-back entry.

Amazing Sidewalk Art

The sidewalk artist is Julian Beever. He is an English artist well-known for his chalk art on the pavement in England, France, Germany, Australia, Belgium, and the United States. These life-like chalk drawings are actually amazing 3-D illusions. The artist perfectly blends the colours with the existing background. Bet you guys thought they were not mere drawings right? The impression these pictures gave us made us think that they really pop out from the floor.

There are a number of factors to influence our perception. It includes attitudes, motives, interests, past experiences and expectations. When we observe people, we attempt to develope explanations of why they behave and act in certain ways. Our perception and judgment of a person's actions, therefore, will be significantly influenced by the assumptions and also guided along by stereotypes, we make about the person. Perceiving and interpreting what others can be a hassle and therefore we use a number of shortcuts for making it more manageable.

We judge someone on the basis of our perception of the group to which he or she belongs. Groups where individuals associate themselves such as a gangster group, school clique and family background do affect our judgement. In organizations, we frequently hear comments that represent stereotypes based on gender, age, nationality and even weight. One of the problems of stereotypes is that they are so widespread, influential and impactful, despite the fact that they may not contain a shred of truth or may be irrelevant.

So guys, let's not be too blatant and brash with our perceptions.

Comm101

2009-09-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

Hi. Prolly insane now. Will come back soon to update.