An Ecological Perspective On Human Communication Theory

AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN COMMUNICATION THEORY introduces communication students to both research and theory at an undergraduate level and avoids extensive discussion of philosophical and epistemological issues. The ecological/interdisciplinary approach synthesizes information from diverse fields, including anthropology, biology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. A student manual at the back of the book includes activities, discussion questions, recommended readings, and videos.

There is undoubtedly considerable intellectual and methodological progress evident in approaches to linguistics, from systemic and formal methods, to post-Newtonian transpersonal, non-local models of meaning co-creation built within contemporary language studies. Indeed, such changes are constant – the 20th century product orientation of linguistic research is currently being complemented by ecolinguistic processes, with the linearity of scientific perception and treatment being replaced by the dynamic and multispectral approach of “ecological” theory. This book provides a richly detailed analysis of this profound shift within contemporary language and communication research. A particularly interesting facet of this volume is the proposal that the architecture of the human organism is, transpersonally, in constant relation with its immediate surroundings, as well as with non-local multilevel surroundings. This connection is based not only on the cognitive connection of minds or neurocognitive contacts with the nervous and sensual systems of communicators, but on the multidimensional relationship between the manifold communicative modalities living systems possess. Human communication is embedded within a given local communicative situation, as well within the global, non-local environment via the basic ontology of entanglement. The human communicative process is always evolving as a result of the constant fluctuations of life processes. Indeed, the conclusions presented in this volume open up a new approach to present-day linguistics, that human language is an essential life process.

Moving beyond the U.S.-Eurocentric paradigm of communication theory, this handbook broadens the intellectual horizons of the discipline by highlighting underrepresented, especially non-Western, theorists and theories, and identifies key issues and challenges for future scholarship. Showcasing diverse perspectives, the handbook facilitates active engagement in different cultural traditions and theoretical orientations that are global in scope but local in effect. It begins by exploring past efforts to diversify the field, continuing on to examine theoretical concepts, models, and principles rooted in local cumulative wisdom. It does not limit itself to the mass-interpersonal communication divide, but rather seeks to frame theory as global and inclusive in scope. The book is intended for communication researchers and advanced students, with relevance to scholars with an interest in theory within information science, library science, social and cross-cultural psychology, multicultural education, social justice and social ethics, international relations, development studies, and political science.

This sampling of watershed research traditions in interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication manifests how communication theory is developed, defended and extended at a philosophical, theoretical and practical level of inquiry from a plurality of research perspectives. The book includes the foundational works of Pearce, Cronen, and Associates on the coordinated management of meaning; Berger, Gudykunst, and Associates on uncertainty and anxiety reduction theory; Cushman, Nicotera and Associates on the communication rules involved in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships; Delia, Clark, and Associates on constructivism; Deetz, Mumby, and Associates on critical theory; Desmond and Associates on mass communication theory; Sanders and Gottman on communication sequences; Cushman, King, and Associates on high-speed management; and Philipsen and Associates on the ethnography of communication.

The emergence of relationship management as a paradigm for public relations scholarship and practice requires a close examination of just what is achieved by public relations--its definition, function and value, and the benefits it generates. Initiated by the editors' interest in cross-disciplinary exploration, this volume evolved to its current form as a result of the need for a framework for understanding public relations and the potential impact of organization-public relationships on the study, practice, and teaching of public relations. Ledingham and Bruning include contributions that present state-of-the-art research in relationship management, applications of the relational perspective to various components of public relations, and the implications of the approach to influence further research and practice. The discussion conducted here is certain to influence and promote future theory and practice on the concept of relationship management.

Despite a growing emphasis on relationship studies in interpersonal communication, serious attention to the conceptual meaning of relationship has been limited. The purpose of this volume is to explore the meaning and use of relationship in interpersonal communication studies. The contributors to this volume, representatives of related, but differing perspectives, outline definitional boundaries and conceptual implications of the term stemming from their particular ontological and epistemological approaches. This volume provides an engaging and provocative examination of relationship by seasoned writers who are committed to seeing the field with new eyes. As such, the book will be invaluable to scholars and researchers in the field.

Advances in the History of Rhetoric: The First Six Years is a comprehensive collection of 29 scholarly essays published during the first phase of the journal’s history. Research from prominent and developing scholars that was once difficult to acquire is now offered in a coherent and comprehensive collection that is complemented by a detailed index and unified bibliography. This collection covers a range of periods and topics in the history of rhetoric, including Greek and Roman rhetoric, rhetoric and religion, women in the history of rhetoric, rhetoric and science, Renaissance and British rhetorical theory, rhetoric and culture, and the development of American rhetoric and composition. The editors, Richard Leo Enos and David E. Beard, provide a preface and afterword that synthesize the mission and meaning of this work for students and scholars of the history of rhetoric.