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Speech Codes Theory

Gerry Philipsen

Chapter 32
Cultural Context—Intercultural Communication

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Theory Overview

Abstracts appear in Appendix A of the 7th Edition

Through ethnography of communication we know all cultures have multiple speech codes that involve a distinctive psychology, sociology, and rhetoric. The meaning of a speech code is determined by speakers and listeners, and is woven into speech itself. Artful use of the code can explain, predict, and control talk about talk. (Socio-cultural tradition)

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