A theory of goal-oriented communication

We put forward a general theory of goal-oriented communication, where communication is not an end in itself, but rather a means to achieving some goals of the communicating parties. Focusing on goals provides a framework for addressing the problem of potential "misunderstanding" during communication, where the misunderstanding arises from lack of initial agreement on what protocol and/or language is being used in communication. Despite the enormous diversity among the goals of communication, we propose a simple model that captures all goals.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (NSF Award CCF-0939370

Layered protocols in coalescent argumentation

A goal-oriented analysis of argument is presented based on Taylor\u27s layered protocols, a theory of communication based on Powers\u27 hierarchical perceptual control theory. Goals and beliefs are hierarchical, related in a precise way to sensory inputs an d motor outputs. This model is combined with Gilbert\u27s theory of coalescent argumentation. Participants sketch out their own and their partner\u27s goal diagrams as an aid to resolving the argument. For this to work, the argument must be viewed, not in pu rely linguistic or logical terms, but in terms of the entire system of goals in which it is embedded

Joint Communication and Computation Framework for Goal-Oriented Semantic Communication with Distortion Rate Resilience

Recent research efforts on semantic communication have mostly considered accuracy as a main problem for optimizing goal-oriented communication systems. However, these approaches introduce a paradox: the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) tasks should naturally emerge through training rather than being dictated by network constraints. Acknowledging this dilemma, this work introduces an innovative approach that leverages the rate-distortion theory to analyze distortions induced by communication and semantic compression, thereby analyzing the learning process. Specifically, we examine the distribution shift between the original data and the distorted data, thus assessing its impact on the AI model's performance. Founding upon this analysis, we can preemptively estimate the empirical accuracy of AI tasks, making the goal-oriented semantic communication problem feasible. To achieve this objective, we present the theoretical foundation of our approach, accompanied by simulations and experiments that demonstrate its effectiveness. The experimental results indicate that our proposed method enables accurate AI task performance while adhering to network constraints, establishing it as a valuable contribution to the field of signal processing. Furthermore, this work advances research in goal-oriented semantic communication and highlights the significance of data-driven approaches in optimizing the performance of intelligent systems.Comment: 15 pages; 11 figures, 2 table

Perspectives in Argumentation and Communication: A relevance-theoretic approach

The present paper presents an overview of the theories of relevance (Sperber&Wilson 1985, 1995, 1998, 2002; Wilson & Sperber 2002) with a particular focus on argumentation and human communication. An in-depth analysis of the human communication plays a critical role in accounting for the theory of relevance. Standing in opposition to the traditional model whereby the communication is accomplished by the transmission of an intended message from a sending party to the receiver through a channel, which, in turn, is decoded and some type of signal or feedback is sent back, the Relevance theorists argue that what distinguishes an input from others is its relevance to the receiver since every utterance creates in the addressee an expectation of relevance. Yus (2006) also relates Relevance Theory to human communication since it is established within a broader cognitive framework, which, in turn, makes humans tend to maximize the relevance of the utterance. This paper will contribute to a better understanding of RT as a general linguistic principle organizing the goal-oriented use of language in communication. Any form of communication can hardly be achieved without contributing factors such as relevance, coherence, semantic interconnectedness and intertextuality. In this regard, we will attempt to study the role of relevance in pragmatics, semantics and communication. We end by taking into account the relevance-theoretic model for achieving a successful communication. Keywords: theory of relevance, argumentation, communication, coherence, pragmatics

Linguistic and didactic basis of communicative and pragmatic learning system of simple sentences syntax of the future teachers of Ukrainian language and literature

It is substantiated in the research the reasonable place and role of communicative and pragmatic training system as perspective, it was comprehended linguistic and didactic basis of syntax teaching. The introduction of communicative and pragmatic methodical system caused by formal approach to syntax teaching in higher education. It hasn’t an active output on the level of verbal and communicative practice. On the other hand it is caused by actualization of new approaches to learning with grounding on the functional basis, in the focus of which – the place of linguistic unit, its role (function) in the act of communication. The author considers that communicative and pragmatic methods of simple sentence syntax teaching is appropriate and necessary because modern communicator aims to achieve pragmatic goals, choose effective communication strategies and tactics in accordance with the terms of communication, to recognize the communicative and pragmatic meanings in the speech of informator, to operate them in the process of communication. Linguistic tradition of pragmatic simple sentence syntax is built on the theory of speech acts, theory of pragmatic value, theory of verbal communication, researches of linguistic and communicative pragmatics, functional syntax, linguistics of the text, the theory of communicative interaction. Didactic training base of syntax teaching, in the defined direction, is represented by a set of pragmatically oriented approaches, principles, methods of instruction, forms of learning that have the goal formation of a pragmatic communicative competence of future teacher of Ukrainian language and literature

Do we live in the age of emotion politics?:the effects of anger, disgust, hope, and nostalgia communication on political support and polarisation

Surprising political victories in the last decade, such as Donald Trump’s presidential campaign win, fuelled the popular lay theory that we are living in an age of “post-truth” politics, where facts do not matter anymore. Across ten studies, this thesis systematically tested how the addition of anger, disgust, hope, and nostalgia to political messages affected political support for the communicator and (perceived) political polarisation in society. Across these studies, we found that emotion communication did not seem to positively affect political support or polarisation, and sometimes even backfired. We did find that the communication of emotion sets into motion the psychological processes of emotion contagion (i.e., feeling the same emotion as the one communicated) and goal inference (i.e., using the emotion to infer the intentions of the communicator), with the cognitive inference reactions being more common. We also found that people seemed to respond mostly to general characteristics of the communicated emotion (future- or past-oriented, positive or negative), with anger and disgust communication leading to very similar (backfiring) effects, and nostalgia communication leading to more unique effects, communicating a willingness to return to the systems and values of old. Lastly, we found that the reactions were generally similar across audiences with different political backgrounds, but that depending on the national context or discussed topic, the effectiveness and reactions of emotion communication varied. Altogether, these results show that the reality of emotion communication in political messages is more complex than laid out in the lay theory of post-truth politics

Participatory co-design of science communication strategies for public engagement in the US and Ecuador around health behaviour change

Science communication research and practice currently promote strategies oriented towards creating audience engagement around scientific content. Consequently, science communication needs to continually explore new methodologies that enable audiences’ participation in order to meet their interests and needs. The present study combines qualitative and participatory action research (PAR) methods guided by decolonial epistemologies to develop a co-designed project with public health, nutrition and sports science researchers to recruit young audiences from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, and from Cuenca, Ecuador. The main goal of this study was to create strategies to motivate young audiences’ engagement and interest in adopting healthy habits. This article focuses on the study’s research design in order to provide guidelines and procedural recommendations for facilitating a co-design approach for developing science communication initiatives targeting children and teenagers in Ecuador and the United States. As we demonstrate, the PAR approach for co-design leads to useful outcomes: (1) the incorporation of decolonial theory guidelines in participatory research; and (2) the development of science communication strategies that combine online and offline activities to put in dialogue scientists and their audiences, ultimately resulting in mutual learning, thus allowing scholars and practitioners to explore in practical terms how to co-design improved strategies

Achieving mutual understanding in intercultural project partnerships : co-operation, self-orientation, and fragility

Communication depends on cooperation in at least the following way: In order to be successful, communicative behavior needs to be adjusted to the general world knowledge, abilities, and interests of the hearer, and the hearer's success in figuring out the message and responding to it needs to be informed by assumptions about the communicator's informative intentions, personal goals, and communicative abilities. In other words, interlocutors cooperate by coordinating their actions in order to fulfill their communicative intentions. This minimal assumption about cooperativeness must in one way or another be built into the foundations of any plausible inferential model of human communication. However, the communication process is also influenced to a greater or lesser extent, whether intentionally and consciously or unintentionally and unconsciously, by the participants' orientation toward, or preoccupation with, their own concerns, so their behavior may easily fall short of being as cooperative as is required for achieving successful communication

Exploring the forms of sociality mediated by innovative technologies in retail settings

The retail setting is characterized by an increasing usage of advanced and interactive technologies (i.e. mobile apps, Near Field Communication, virtual and augmented reality, etc.) based on high connectivity, ubiquitous and contactless systems that enhance and support consumer shopping experience. As a result of the consumers’ interaction with technology while shopping, technology-enriched stores provide new experiences and enable different forms of sociality. The aim of this paper is to explore the forms of sociality mediated by innovative technologies in retail settings. To achieve this goal, we use a qualitative approach involving 20 young consumers in the London-based market, where technology use by this group of consumers is growing. Findings show that digitally-mediated in-store activity mainly responds to a need for advice and trust, and the forms of sociality deployed around it are essentially ephemeral, low-intensity and publicity-oriented modes of interaction that echo the principles of “network sociality” described by critical media theory

Enhancing Communication Within Multi-Generational organizations

In order to capture the essence of employee dynamics within the ever-changing landscape of modern organizations, a naturalistic inquiry using a holistic approach was employed. This technique emphasized the millennial generation’s communication strengths as compared to those of previous generation workers. The perceptions of millennial students, millennial workers, multi-generational managers, university professors, and IT professionals were analyzed through a constant, comparative analysis and grouped so that grounded theory was allowed to emerge. The products of this inquiry include practical solutions aimed at reducing the uncertainty for multi-generational managers, specifically regarding the supervision of younger generation workers. In addition, the results of this study suggest that traditional business communication practices, when coupled with an increased use of information and communication technologies that are specifically designed to bolster collaboration and interpersonal communication, have the potential to maximize internal and external communication effectiveness. The data collected within this study provided an overview of the underlying values and perceptions behind millennial behavior. This synopsis, captured through millennial focus groups and face-to-face interviews, acquiesces to the literature surrounding the millennial generation. As outwardly portrayed, the individuals within this study are technically advanced, goal-oriented people who want the freedom and balance to work efficiently and effectively. In addition, the millennials used herein respect the traditional organizational structure, but only to the limit that its hierarchical nature does not stunt innovation achieved through adaptability and collaboration