I am frustrated! After ruminating on the topic for so many days, I still find myself unable to identify when a speech event has taken place. Breaking it down logically, the components of a speech event are straightforward - you need an activity with rules, norms and a generic structure where the predominant mode of communication is speech. Why then am I unable to discern when a speech event has occurred?
Disregarding that inability, however, what fascinates me the most about speech events is how we are able to pick up on the different yet numerous rules and norms that are involved in a specific context/culture. I personally think that this could be largely attributed to the ability of potential participants to consciously or subconsciously imitate the behaviours of others who were in similar situations. Of course, this depends on whether the speech event can be directly observed. In cases where we cannot, then we rely on experienced individuals or the “experts” to relay the expectations to us (as in the case of interviews). This standpoint is obviously open to debate and I welcome any opposing view!
With that, a happy CNY to all!:)
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I think you're right in how we usually approach a new speech event. We imitate others and sometimes seek the help of 'experts' or cultural insiders.
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