Apprehending the elusive and ambiguous: communication, language and literacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper surveys some of the peculiar challenges facing those who would study communication. It draws heavily upon the recent work of David R. Olson to show how ‘meaning’ and ‘context’ have elusive and ambiguous dimensions. It explores how literacy is related to reasoning about reasoning and forms of literate humor, and it documents how literacy makes the phenomena of meaning and context more complex yet equally provides resources for apprehending them. The paper concludes by offering some takeaway implications for more mindfully managing heated and/or charged discourse within contemporary life.