Conversational Rituals, As Seen Through Term Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 964 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 3

Often, the purpose of trouble talk is opening up about an emotional need, not 'fixing' a specific problem in the eyes of many women.

Public talk

The sphere of public talk could be summed up in the phrase 'not in front of the neighbors' -- in other words, certain types of dialogue and ways of relating are not deemed permissible in front of strangers. Think of the embarrassment of seeing a child disciplined in public, when a parent loses control. Parental discipline is supposed to be private, not public display. Cultures have different levels of what is acceptable publicly -- in some cultures, shaming someone in public is considered 'not done' or at very least far worse than in private, or intimate affection is not considered appropriate public talk. Even in relatively uninhibited America, seeing a man propose to a woman, or a couple engaging in an intimate moment can cause people to look away.

Private talk

When it is necessary to give someone private time, like a salesman leaving so married couple to discuss the cost of a new car, also varies from culture to culture. In some cultures, matters such as money or sexuality are supposed to be discussed only amongst families or intimates.

Status & connection talk

Well, of course, I only buy designer brands," someone might say, examining a cheap knock-off purse, and showing her superiority to her presumably poorer colleague. However, when the colleague states "I think name brands are a waste of money," she is also engaging in status talk, showing her superior frugality and lack of frivolity.

Stuck Writing Your "Conversational Rituals, As Seen Through" Term Paper?

View All Our Example Conversational Rituals, As Seen Through Term Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Phrases like "I only buy organic" or "I only vote Democrat" also locate persons within particular cultures or status groups, and can be used to affirm a connection or establish a higher status over a conversational partner.

Directness & indirectness talk

Cultures are often classified as low or high context cultures. In some cultures, or low context cultures, directness is valued. In America, someone who is a 'straight shooter' conversationally is considered a good thing. This is often also a very male way of relating to others, as women are more often apt to use questions to prompt their opinion like saying "are you tired," rather than saying "I'm tired, let's take a break." However, in other cultures, such as Japan, which might be called high context cultures, or cultures where what one says is very dependant upon the situation and one's relationship as a superior or subordinate, both men and women may be more indirect in saying what their opinion is. "Maybe" is likely to mean "no," especially if a subordinate is speaking to a superior while in a U.S. context, regardless of the relationship, maybe means maybe.

Works Referenced

Tannen, Deborah.

That's Not What I Meant!: How Conversational Style Makes or Breaks Relationships. NY: Ballantine, 1986......

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Conversational Rituals As Seen Through" (2006, December 16) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/conversational-rituals-seen-40878

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Conversational Rituals As Seen Through" 16 December 2006. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/conversational-rituals-seen-40878>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Conversational Rituals As Seen Through", 16 December 2006, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/conversational-rituals-seen-40878
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example