D5962. Mitchell Brandt,Leight Brandt. Communication

8/2/2019 D5962. Mitchell Brandt,Leight Brandt. Communication

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Introduction

One of the theories of communication that focuses on the theory-practice relationship is

Craigs Theory on Communication as a Practice which emphasizes how practices influence

communication in specific manner. This theory uplifts our idea of the close relationship between

Barthes signs theory and Craigs communication as a practice theory. For an initial discussion of

the subject, the term practice must be defined in simple term to be followed by a typical scenario

where the importance of communication is highlighted in relation to Barthes theory.

Communication in sign form and as a practice is a theoretical claim that will be defended at the

concluding part of this paper. The major points that need to be considered and focused on are

communication, Barthes theory and practice. The paper attempts to define the theory and explains

it relevance to modern-day practices in the world of communication (Lockwood, 2007).

Mistakes in communication could lead to making points that are irrelevant or taking

digressions. Worst of all, the speaker is lost for words giving a conclusion that is unconvincing and

disastrously limp. Communication as a process is made for some reason although for most people,

their reasons may be unclear even to themselves. This paper attempts to explore Craigs theory on

Communication as a practice as it is correlated with Barthes sign theory. Communication, after

all, is moving information but the purpose of information also become the purpose of

communication (Paragraph, 2011).

Barthes Semiotic Theory

Barthes semiotic theory is used in conducting critiques on cultural materials for the

purpose of exposing the bourgeois way imposing values upon people of lower stature in French

society. In actual practice and as an example, wine drinking signifies a robust and healthy habit

which may be contracted by stark realities that it can be unhealthy at times. This sample critique


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shows how Barthes considers bourgeois cultural myths as connotations, or second-order signs. A

picture of something can be a sign or a signified which relates to a signified. Barthes points out

that the signs message comes in two ways: the literal meaning or denotation and its reference or

connotation. For example, Hitler denotes an historical individual. Meanwhile, Hitler connotes,

evil, genocide, racism, etc. (R.T. Craig, lecture, October 4th, 2007). Following this logic, an

image is pure detonation if it exists without reference or code.

Theory Application

Although it is difficult to comprehend what signs count as communication, and what

matters about these signs constitute good theory, appreciation of the communication process can

provide a clear picture in the formulation of a theoretical framework regarding the photographic

message intended by Barthes. Communication is said to be rooted in the structures of the society

as well as human behaviors. It is likewise difficult to identify an event that lacks a communication

process or infrastructure. Communication, therefore, is a slippery concept which can be defined in

terms of signs, which provides a clear overview of Craigs theory about communication as a

practice.

Craig (2006) provides, in his article Communication as a practice, that an alternative

view from popular models have made communication a comprehensive practice and as the

developmental foundation of other practices. The theoretical framework for communication as a

practice is founded on certain criteria and the occurrence of certain order of events. He emphasizes

that thinking and talking about ways naturally follows every distinct activity, otherwise called as

normative discourse. The discourse contains both formal and informal characteristics and is a

constitutive process on its own. For a practice to be meaningful, the discourse should serve as a

vital foundation (Craig, 2006).


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In communication, the sharing of words may have embedded meanings that create larger

and more meaningful meanings. Even the informal use of language can serve as the practices

norms that reflect how people point to the practice, discuss about doing it, refer to the words

employed and discourse about the style and values conveyed by the words. A practices discourse

progresses to sophistication and maturity which can lead to a formal representation in time when it

becomes more academic and experts start to emerge. When the practice attains the status of an

academic discipline, it evolves into a standard which is susceptible to criticism.

A photos connotative message presupposes an ability to comprehend these connotative

procedures: a pose, syntax, trick effect, objects, aestheticism and photogenia. The words around

the photo tend to duplicate the message and add meaning and connotation to the photo. The

significance about the image is its cultural and historical elements rather than the image itself. It

communicates these elements by visual representation and perceptions and by using connotations

that identify the message (Lockwood, 2007). The validity of the theory in present time can be

correlated with the emergence of new technologies that brings modern and sophisticated gadgets

such as digital cameras and videocam.

Building new theories has its foundations on past or old theories. However, the dominance

of a particular theory can bring more questions within it and opens it to critique for possible

alteration or modification in conformity with current standards and norms. Proving the validity of

theory is a tedious and complicated task if the one tasked in unfamiliar with the nature of the

theory or the practice itself.

In his article, Craig makes an imperative but unique comparison between the innate

biological natures of communication versus its nature as an actual practice. The former is

unquestionably valid in so far as mans inherent ability to communicate is concerned, while the


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latter provides the cultural concept and created meaning of communication. Craigs concept of

communication as a practice is useful in analyzing the nature of the practice of snowboarding. He

also argues about the necessity of communication as a condition precedent for anything to be

labeled as a practice as there is no practice void of communication (Craig, 2006).

Not all of the six connotative procedures can be applied in extracting the connotative

message as only one is sufficient. For example, such message can be intensified with the use of the

connotative procedure of objects and the appreciation of knowledge of the audience. The photo or

image relays the message that induces the association of ideas like, for instance, an image of the

Statue of Liberty which would symbolize freedom, strength and pride if placed in front of the

collapsed twin towers (World Trade Center). It does not require the application of other procedures

such as trick effects, syntax, pose and aestheticism. Barthes said, The interest lies in the fact that

the objects are accepted inducers of associations of ideas (Barthes, 1977).

According to Leeds-Hurwitz (1993), the field of communication includes, among other

things, the study of meaning, the study of how people convey ideas for themselves and to one

another, whether through words, food, clothing, objects, or in other ways. However, describing

the meaning conveyed by people remains a difficult task unless other fields come in to assist in

lending appropriate words and adapting them to the specific needs to bring out the intended

meanings. In real-life situations, understanding the theoretical framework of semiotics is akin to

exploring the essence of communication, especially non-verbal (Leeds-Hurwitz, 1993).

Theory Critique

The theory and other communicative practice are multi-dimensional with overlapping

components such as the set of activities, normative and formal discourse. The communicative

formation is a constitutive process that influences others and itself. It is a normal role of


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communication to influence others and to influence the speaker. The use of signs or symbols in

communication may have its limitations as to interpretation and meaning. Barthes argues that

denotation comes only in times of traumatic events which are impractical in contemporary setting,

and for it to become a practice is a confirmed impossibility.

The use of modern and sophisticated gadgets has narrowed the already thin line between

denotative and connotative meanings attributed to images and their signs. The theory provides an

evolving perspective of images and their associated meanings which determine the extent of

Craigs perception of communication as a practice. It heightens awareness of cultural and

ideological norms and differences that ripen into tradition, the foundation of every practice. In

essence, Barthes semiotic theory has opened the door for exploring and understanding

communication as a process (Barthes, 1997), and for providing the foundation of Craigs theory of

communication as a practice.

Conclusion

A common practice can be seen as a communicative practice when correlated with Craigs

concept of communication as a practice. It comprises distinct communicative elements that grows

and develops in time despite the insufficient explanation and support of the theory. A theory in and

of itself does not illuminate ever aspect of a practice. The foundation laid by Craig requires future

correlation with other theories in order to provide adequate understanding of the communication

functions within daily practices, enables one to become a constructive and active member of those

practices. In this regard, Barthes Semiotic Theory serves to fill in the void about exploring and

understanding communication as a practice, and in improving ones knowledge about cultural and

ideological issues permeating the society. The examples provided show the significance of the

theory in modern-day setting.


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References:

Barthes, R. (1977). The photographic message (S. Heath, Trans.). In S. Heath (Ed.),Image, music,

text(pp. 15-31). New York: Hill and Wang.

Craig, R. T. (2006). Communication as a practice. In G. J. Shepherd, J. St. John & T. Striphas

(Eds.), Perspectives on theory(pp. 38-47). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

CLS (no date). Communication Process, Center of Literary Studies, The University of Tennessee

Online. Retrieved March 19, 2012 from http://www.cls.utk.edu/pdf/ls/Week1_Lesson7. pdf

Leeds-Hurwitz, W. (1993). Semiotics and Communication: Signs, Codes, Cultures. University of

Wisconsin-Parkside. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Lockwood, N. (2007).Barthes Semiotic Theory and September 11, 2001. University of Colorado at

Boulder. Online. Retrieved March 19, 2012 from http://www.colorado.edu/

communication/metadiscourses/Papers/App_Papers/Lockwood.htm

Paragraph (2011).Developing Good Communication Practices. Online, Retrieved March 19, 2012

from http://www.paragraph.com.au/pdf/books/wri-res-com-text.pdf

Reckwitz A (2002) Toward a theory of social practices: a development in culturalist theorizing,

European Journal of Social Theory, 5(2), 243-63.

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D5962. Mitchell Brandt,Leight Brandt. Communication