The other day, someone of a different subculture and ethnic group sent me an email. I didn't know how to respond really, because the communication style was so different from what I'd approach someone with.
It's obvious that people with similarities will have a similar set of unwritten norms of communication. So, what are some of such unwritten, but well practiced, norms within CA circles?
Granted, my sample is small, but in the letters I've wrote, in the conversations I've had, and even in online interactions with CAs, it would appear that there are some differences in this area. It's enough for me to notice, but not enough for me to articulate.
I know this is pretty subjective, and obviously plenty of CAs communicate just the same as everyone else, but can anyone elaborate some on the unwritten norms of communication in your circles?
Communication norms
-
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:00 pm
- Affiliation: church of Christ
-
- Posts: 16440
- Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:09 pm
- Location: U.S. midwest and PNW
- Affiliation: Christian other
Re: Communication norms
i often identify with your pov, being an interested non-Anabaptist on this forum.
i would venture to guess (?) .. when i respond to you, it’s from that particular perspective.
i agree with your observation about how various groups/non-groups have certain ways of communicating, sometimes very-very subtle differences.
fwiw, on this forum, and privately with different members over years, in my experience, Anabaptists make generous use of both silence, and, succinctness in communication. and, messages are given+received/understood this way.
i like it. it’s familiar to me. i “listen” for it. i want to know what is (not) being said.
very similar to the world i was born into, before “talk” TV, et al.
in the past, silence and restraint were of great value, not among Anabaptists, alone.
as has been occasionally noted, to begin, Anabaptists were not “so distinct” from their neighbors. not even in dress, family relationships, church rules, etc. this is interesting to think+read about.
looking forward to others’ thoughts on your OP.
i would venture to guess (?) .. when i respond to you, it’s from that particular perspective.
i agree with your observation about how various groups/non-groups have certain ways of communicating, sometimes very-very subtle differences.
fwiw, on this forum, and privately with different members over years, in my experience, Anabaptists make generous use of both silence, and, succinctness in communication. and, messages are given+received/understood this way.
i like it. it’s familiar to me. i “listen” for it. i want to know what is (not) being said.
very similar to the world i was born into, before “talk” TV, et al.
in the past, silence and restraint were of great value, not among Anabaptists, alone.
as has been occasionally noted, to begin, Anabaptists were not “so distinct” from their neighbors. not even in dress, family relationships, church rules, etc. this is interesting to think+read about.
looking forward to others’ thoughts on your OP.
0 x
Most or all of this drama, humiliation, wasted taxpayer money could be spared -
with even modest attempt at presenting balanced facts from the start.
”We’re all just walking each other home.”
UNKNOWN
with even modest attempt at presenting balanced facts from the start.
”We’re all just walking each other home.”
UNKNOWN
-
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:00 pm
- Affiliation: church of Christ
Re: Communication norms
Hopefully we can get some response.
If others confirm this, then it could explain why I've been close to taking offense a few times. In my area/ upbringing, this is considered to be very rude.Temporal1 wrote:Anabaptists make generous use of both silence, and, succinctness in communication.
0 x
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
-
- Posts: 16440
- Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:09 pm
- Location: U.S. midwest and PNW
- Affiliation: Christian other
Re: Communication norms
if accurate, don’t let silence surprise you.KingdomBuilder wrote:Hopefully we can get some response.If others confirm this, then it could explain why I've been close to taking offense a few times. In my area/ upbringing, this is considered to be very rude.Temporal1 wrote:Anabaptists make generous use of both silence, and, succinctness in communication.
one thing. Neto may add something here ..
we all seem to be less conscious of our own culture, whatever that may be, we have trouble seeing ourselves from a “birds’ eye view.”
in my family, years ago, they would not speak of their silence, silence was the norm!
people don’t discuss norms so much. we discuss the unusual, the different, etc.
interesting, tho.
both my mother and father, by their older years, became much more open, they chatted and laughed, as not before. i suppose some was the change in the outer culture, some was relaxing after the great responsibility of raising 6 children, most born into a world that had no polio vaccine, for one example. no health insurance, no food stamps, no guarantees. a lot of work. a lot of prayer.
my parents often feared losing us to childhood illness, accident, wars, etc.
they did not take life for granted. every year would be met with some type of measles, chicken pox, etc. - the list was long. living with those facts of life is a different way of life.
honestly, when i watch so many (disgrunted, entitled) young people today (who have good health, abundant food, clean clothing, more education than they want, tech gadgets galore, etc.) - i do wonder how the world might seem to them, if they had endured multiple life threatening diseases, actual hunger, no certainty of education? .. no unsecured credit, no cash flow.
how can people coming from such different life experiences understand one another?
what is the definition of privilege and entitlement?
i digress.
0 x
Most or all of this drama, humiliation, wasted taxpayer money could be spared -
with even modest attempt at presenting balanced facts from the start.
”We’re all just walking each other home.”
UNKNOWN
with even modest attempt at presenting balanced facts from the start.
”We’re all just walking each other home.”
UNKNOWN
- ohio jones
- Posts: 5303
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 11:23 pm
- Location: undisclosed
- Affiliation: Rosedale Network
Re: Communication norms
That does seem to be one communication norm.temporal1 wrote:i digress.
I haven't engaged in a lot of introspective analysis, and perhaps my writing doesn't fit neatly into an established box either, but I've noticed a distinctive style among MCUSA writers. Maybe it's the vocabulary, the cadence, or something else; I'm not sure entirely what it is, but I know it when I see it.
0 x
I grew up around Indiana, You grew up around Galilee; And if I ever really do grow up, I wanna grow up to be just like You -- Rich Mullins
I am a Christian and my name is Pilgram; I'm on a journey, but I'm not alone -- NewSong, slightly edited
I am a Christian and my name is Pilgram; I'm on a journey, but I'm not alone -- NewSong, slightly edited
-
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:00 pm
- Affiliation: church of Christ
Re: Communication norms
MCUSA stuff reminds me of what I've seen with Episcopalians.ohio jones wrote:I haven't engaged in a lot of introspective analysis, and perhaps my writing doesn't fit neatly into an established box either, but I've noticed a distinctive style among MCUSA writers. Maybe it's the vocabulary, the cadence, or something else; I'm not sure entirely what it is, but I know it when I see it.
0 x
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
Re: Communication norms
The best way to respond is openly, directly, to find out what was meant in the email - don't be shy. I don't know of any unwritten communication norms.
0 x
- Josh
- Posts: 24196
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 6:23 pm
- Location: 1000' ASL
- Affiliation: The church of God
Re: Communication norms
Most North Americans wouldn’t feel this is “the best way”.Hats Off wrote:The best way to respond is openly, directly, to find out what was meant in the email - don't be shy. I don't know of any unwritten communication norms.
0 x
-
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:00 pm
- Affiliation: church of Christ
Re: Communication norms
You're probably right. A front of pleasantness is much preferred to direct openness and honesty.Josh wrote:Most North Americans wouldn’t feel this is “the best way”.
0 x
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
-
- Posts: 338
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2016 1:51 pm
- Affiliation: A.M.
Re: Communication norms
One thing about most Mennonites is they are German/Swiss background. The German part of them makes them very stoic for the most part.... If you keep that in mind it helps to communicate with them. Work is very important to them and a lot of them need help with being effective communicators.
I realize I'm painting them with a wide brush -there are many exceptions to the rule.
I realize I'm painting them with a wide brush -there are many exceptions to the rule.
0 x