A First Look at Communication Theory Quotes

“[...] most social interaction is goal driven; we have reasons for saying what we say. [...] we continually construct cognitive plans to guide our communication. [...] uncertainty is central to all social interaction: "The probability of perfect communication is zero." [Message Plans to Cope with Uncertain Responses]”
― Em Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory

“[...] when strangers meet, their primary concern is one of uncertainty reduction or increasing predictability about the behavior of both themselves and others in the interaction”
― Em Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory

“[...] There is no "me" at birth. The "me" is formed only through continual symbolic interaction- first with family, next with playmates, then in institutions such as schools. As the generalized other in an ongoing mental dialogue. In this way, kinds participate in their own socialization. The child gradually acquired the roles of those in the surrounding community. Mead would have us think of the "me" as the organized society within the individual. But society does not always speak in a single, consisted voice. [...] a person's generalized other can change in a short period of time when a single group holds sway.”
― Em Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory

“Symbolic interactionists are convinced that the self is a function of language. Without talk there would be no self-concept. "We are not born with senses of self. Rather, selves arise in interaction with others. I can only experience myself in relation to others; absent interaction with others, I cannot be a self- I cannot emerge as someone. To the extent that we interact with new acquaintances or have nover conversations with significant others, the self is always in flux. This means there's no "real me"- an etched-in-stone Em Griffin inside my body waiting to be discovered or set free.”
― Em Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory