In chapter three Chaika discusses how communication is separated and described into style categories. Style of communication varies widely based on the speaking acronym. The speaking acronym is used to breakdown any particular communication experience and in use of further studying and learning about the speakers and the communication itself that is occurring. The speaking acronym stands: the "s" stands for setting or where the communication experience takes place. "P" stands for participants; who is involved. "E" stands for events: this serves to answer "what?" "A" stands for acts or sequences; in a particular event there will be several or at least a few acts. "K" stands for key or mood and tone of an event. "I" stands for instrumentality or the means of communication: for example texting versus talking in person. "N" stands for norms: rules of meaning for actions and such. "G" stands for genre: forms of speaking or expressions.
For this blog I want to focus on norms. Norms are socially constructed rules or regulations that occur in communication. Norms are a culturally developed idea. They change with different cultures and exists differently based on the unspoken agreements of members of that community.
Culture itself is based on customs and traditions that a particular community develops. These traditions and customs can be simple day to day rituals and habits among members of the community. From culture comes the idea of norms in language communication and behavior or actions. Unspoken rules and standards are developed among the elders that are passed down to the younger generations. These norms are assessed and enforced in behaviors, speech pattern or language, clothes, ect.
In chapter 3 of Language the Social Mirror by Chaika, the author discusses style of language or speech. Chaika refers to tempo of speech. Tempo is how slow or fast a person talks. The author remarks on tempo having to do some with a person's familiarity to the variety being spoken. Generally, students learning a language will speak slower and with more deliberance so as to be careful to say the words properly. How much time a person waits before responding to the other speaker is called tempo, as well.
Culture is really what dictates tempo in a speech community. The community creates norms within their society that are determining factors of what is an acceptable tempo in particular situation. Culturally what the group decides is an acceptable or expected tempo in a given situation or for a particular group is known as a norm. Its a norm because the society has decided what is normal or not normal.
One of the best examples I can think of comes from latin countries versus European ones or the United States. Latin countries, speaking spanish, have come accustomed to speaking very rapidy. The tempo they use is quick in comparison to "white" countries. The tempo of how rapidly they speak comes from their cultural values and social norms that have created an acceptable standard of what a native speaker would have. Those that speak with different tempos typically stick out like a sore thumb and are immedietly identified as non-native to the area.
Spanish from spain (castillo) is the most rapid tempo of all the latin countries. Puerto Rican spanish is fast as well but carries a draging out towards the end of each statement. It is somewhat like a rythm, fast-fast-slow.
In American culture what are some norms that are created in our culture and translated into our language?
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