Application of the Speech Codes Theory
by
Andrea Wolfe

The Speech Codes Theory proposed by Gerry Philipsen attempts to explain how different cultures have different patterns and styles of communicating. Philipsen describes a speech code as a system of socially constructed symbols and meanings, premises, and rules, pertaining to communicative conduct. If you welcome diversity, embrace psychological uniqueness, and are able to metacommunicate well, then you could be classified as a Nacirema communicator. Nacirema is American spelled backwards and refers to the way that the majority of Americans communicate. He defines Nacirema culture by the style in which Americans communicate instead of geographical or cultural background. Philipsen's purpose of creating this theory was to explain the way in which culture and communication interact with each other. There are five general propositions that outline this theory. I choose to apply an example to Proposition 4 which states: "The terms, rules, and premises of a speech code are inextricably woven into speaking itself."

My family would generally fit into the style of Nacirema communication, but there are subtle differences that would separate us from this culture of communication. My family is from Italian descent, and much of our daily life is still rooted in this culture. Much of the way my family interacts can be explained by the understanding of cultural myths, social dramas, and totemizing rituals.

Cultural Myths

A cultural myth is a narrative which provides an outlet for people to express and explain themselves in a way that others can understand. For example, the story that my Great Aunt tells about how she would cook a hot lunch for my Great Uncle, pack it in a basket with real silverware and a linen napkin, then take it to him at the coal mine in which he works tells more than a story of a devoted wife. This story, which might sound extremely odd to someone not of Italian descent, explains much about a marital relationship. This story explains the values that are part of our culture. By taking him this hot lunch, she expressed her concern for him and her involvement in the relationship. This expression of food is seen as an expression of love. By taking time to prepare a meal for him, she shows her love and devotion for him. Italians often associate doing things as an appropriate way of expressing love. This myth explains this way of showing love and support in a relationship.

Social Dramas

Social dramas attempt to confront another by challenging them with a moral rule. The person's response to the criticism provides a way to test the legitimacy of the "rules of life". The community from which I come from is very small, and everyone seems to know everyone else. People outside of our community do not understand why most families set their teenage children up on dates with each other. It is almost as if they are trying to arrange potential marriages. My friends ask why I agree to this. I respond, "I know that they come from a good family and hold many of the same beliefs that I do. This provides common ground for us and allows us to connect on this level." This is my attempt to reason my abnormal response. This is not a common held idea in the twentieth century, but I attempt to rationalize it through my social drama.

Totemizing Ritual

Em Griffin, author of the text, A First Look at Communication Theory, explains a totemizing ritual as a ritual that involves a careful performance of a structured sequence of actions that pays homage to a sacred object. People of the Nacirema culture hold a communication ritual that "honors the sacred trinity of self, communication, and relationships." This practice can also be found in the Italian culture. We strive to connect and empathize with the other person often acting as if the problem they are experiencing is one of our own. We do this as an expression of our individuality, but at the same time connecting with others in an intimate way. It is not as important to solve the problem that the other is experiencing, but to show support and connection between the other person and us.

Using this proposition offers one a closer look into the communication styles of different cultures. No two cultures communicate the same way. Although there may be overlap, each culture has its own communicational rules and standards. By understanding the rules in which the culture operates, one can more effectively understand the communication acts that take place.

Other Links

For more information on the Speech Codes Theory, go to our title page created by Matt Staiduhar

Check out these slides created by a professor at California State University which examines Ethnography: a communicational method Philipsen used to study the relationships within the Teamsterville community of Chicago. These slides reflect on the patterened interactions and significant symbols of specific cultural groups to identify cultural rules that direct behaviors and meanings people ascribe to such behaviors.

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This page last updated by Andrea Wolfe on March 10, 1999