Speech Codes Theory
of Gerry Philipsen

Gerry Philipsen, the founder of Speech Codes Theory, uses ethnographical research methods to explain relationships between communication and culture. Philipsen defines speech codes as, "a system of socially constructed symbols and meanings, premises, and rules, pertaining to communicative conduct." He believes that each culture has its own speech code which shapes the behavior and cognitive processes of those within the society. For example, Philipsen studied the culture of Teamsterville and Nacirema and found two distinct communication patterns. Nacirema speech codes are one's of openness and supportiveness. People are egalitarian and encourage the voicing of anyone's opinions no matter how old or young. On the other hand, Teamsterville speech codes do not accept or tolerate children voicing their opinions to adults. Communicating about the way people[especially males] feel is even less likely to be accepted by the majority of society.

To illustrate the depth of speech codes Philipsen has proposed five propositions:

Each diverse group/culture share their own speech code that is original from any other culture's speech code.

The rules and meanigs of communicating stem from the categories people are put in, whey they are put there, and how we discover them in the categories.

Both the speaker and listener apply their own meanings to words. They are not acting within the process of communication, but creating their own rules, meanings, and premises of communicating.

When paying attention to communication patterns one can define and identify the terms and rules of a speech code. They are portrayed through the stories people tell, the way people handle public scrutiny, and the daily rituals they perform.

Sharing similar speech codes allow people to better predict how someone will react in certain situations. Also, people that share a common speech pattern understand one another and are better able to explain and control communication and behavior.

More in-depth areas of Philipsen's Speech Code Theory go to...

JEFF'S application

DANIELLE'S research report for a different insight

CHASITY'S critique

by:Chasity Montgomery