The Speech Codes Theory
The Speech Codes Theory
of
Gerry Philipsen


Gerry Philipsen, the father of The Speech Codes Theory, conducted ethnographic studies to determine what meanings are shared within a culture. Philipsen decided to do field research in a community that he nicknamed "Teamsterville." Teamsterville was an appropriate name for the community due to the fact that truck driving was the typical job for men in the community. For three years Philipsen talked to women on front porches, men in corner bars, and kids on street corners to define speech codes. After the research, Philipsen defined speech codes as "a system of socially constructed symbols and meanings, premises, and rules, pertaining to communicative conduct." Philipsen came to the realization that Teamsterville had a different speaking pattern that those of his own family and origin. After his realization, Philipsen decided to do another study that involved people from Santa Barbara and Seattle. He named this group "Nacirema," because the majority of Americans used their language. Nacirema is a style of speaking about relationships, communication, and self. Philipsen discovered that the two communities differ in communication patterns. For example, Teamsterville residents will say little until they know your social status, place of residence, nationality, and ethnicity. On the other hand, Nacirema celebrate psychological uniqueness. Through the research, Philipsen proved that each culture had its own speech codes that shape the cognitive and behavioral processes.

Philipsen outlined the speech codes theory in five propositions:

Wherever there is a distinctive culture, there is to be found a distinctive speech code. This proposition came about because of the distinct differences in speech codes, as little or big as they may be. Philipsen and a former student, Donal Carbaugh, confirmed that there are 250 separate cases that prove there is "culture-bound activity."

A speech code involves a culturally distinctive psychology, sociology, and rhetoric. The psychology of speech codes differs in a few ways, two ways they differ are described as a group of social roles versus uniqueness. The sociology of speech codes describes the linking of self to others. The rhetoric aspect describes as finding truth and usage of persuasive appeal to talk about men and women.

The significance of speaking depends on the speech codes used by speakers and listeners to create and interpret their communication. Proposition three discusses the meaning of speech codes in a particular geographic region. The people who live in the region will determine the meaning of certain words and phrases.

The terms, rules, and premises of a speech code are inextricably woven into speaking itself. Proposition four means "speech codes are always on display" and any person who cares to do so can scrutinize them at any minute.

The artful use of a shared speech code is a sufficient condition for predicting, explaining, and controlling the form of discourse about the intelligibility, prudence, and morality of communication conduct. Philipsen believes it is important to become a participant/observer to attempt to control or predict what others will say or do.



Links


This link leads to Kevin's Application and experiences of speech codes theory in his own life.

Here is a link to David's Application of speech codes with examples of propositions and his life.

Click to read Laura's Research report involving an article about the Teamsterville study.

Matt's Research covers an article about the ethnographic communication theory.

Carla's Critique offers an in depth look at the speech codes theory.

Useful Links by Miranda allow you to take a closer look at what others have posted on the Internet dealing with speech codes.

Semiotics is related to the Speech Codes Theory, the two are tied together in a grouping called Code Theories.



Griffin, EM. (1997). A First Look at Communication Theory New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Last updated on 3-11-00 by Miranda Valentine