The following series of lectures draws on linguistics, or the scientific study of
language, to show the many ways in which language has a profound effect
upon human relationships. These lectures address the various aspects and
implications of what Professor Tannen calls “conversational style.” It also
looks at the dynamics of specific situations such as the workplace and class
room where the role of conversational style is of particular importance.
A person’s conversational style includes far more than the words that he or
she speaks. Each conversation is composed of contextual cues, unspoken
messages, body language, and the rhythms of speech. For the most part,
people communicate without a conscious focus on the subtleties of language.
Through this course, the complexities of language, and all that language
entails, will become more apparent.
A better understanding of language, of how we communicate, and of how
our ways of communicating differ based on who we are talking to should lead
not only to a better understanding of ourselves and of those with whom we
have relationships, but should also lead to improved communication. Our lan
guage shapes our lives in numerous, complex ways. These lectures help us
to make sense of our language and will help to improve our relationships with
friends, spouses, and coworkers.
