Igor's parents asked him how he liked the concert last night. Igor responded with, "Wow, it was totally sick! I'm going again tonight." His parents wonder, "If the concert was sick, why would Igor want to go again?" Explain the language barrier most likely involved in this exchange. What can you suggest for managing this word barrier?

What will be an ideal response?


- Bypassing occurs when the same word has a different meaning for different people.
* In this case the word sick is used by Igor to actually mean good or cool, reflecting a meaning unique to his generation or peer group.
* Igor's parents understand the meaning of the word sick as "not good."
- Strategies for managing bypassing:
* When speaking, provide specific examples.
* When listening, ask questions to clarify the meaning.

Communication & Mass Media

You might also like to view...

A main goal of the Seneca Falls Convention was to get women the right to vote

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media

A model based on cause-effect relationships that treat communication like the flow of energy between objects has been called a(n) _______________ model

Fill in the blank with correct word

Communication & Mass Media

If you do not have the time to prepare a polished presentation aid, chalk and marker boards

are just as effective. Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media

Carlos is trying to get some of his fellow college students to join him in cleaning up the three campus parks. Each student will earn one credit hour in general studies if they volunteer

Which of the following would be a restraining force in this situation? a. Students get to work for academic credit. b. Many of the students want to see clean parks on campus. c. It will be an opportunity to work with friends. d. Students don't know where to volunteer.

Communication & Mass Media