Non-written Communication Signals (Draft)
In this paper I will be talking about the Native Americans non written communication methods. These methods include body gestures, smoke signals, and storytelling. Smoke signals were a popular communication method. I will be talking about why they used these communication methods and the effects they had on the civilization. I will also be talking about how technology for communication progressed over time. While I discuss the Native Americans methods, know that they used many more forms of non-written communication methods other than the ones listed above.
Smoke signals were very popular among the Native Americans. Smoke signal communication is formed by creating small puffs of smoke using fire and a blanket. There were different kinds of codes. These codes included the Apache code, Standard code, and the Non-code. Smoke signals are more effective when they are used in area where they will be visible to the receiver. Smoke signals are usually transmitted on top of a hill or mountain. There was no code or meaning for the different shape, sizes, and numbers mainly because enemies of the Native Americans are also seeing the signals. The code has already been determined by the sender and receiver before its transmitted.
Even though there was no general code for smoke signals there were still basic communication meanings. Only one puff of smoke meant a call of attention, and two puffs meant that everything was okay. However though three puffs of smoke could be a signal of danger or something is wrong. With smoke signals Native Americans were able to communicate from long distances. This also helped to give warnings and other signals. With technology the need for smoke signals has decreased significantly, but they are still used today by some cultures in certain situations.
Body gestures were another form of a non-written communication method. Native Americans would perform certain body gestures to communicate how they were emotions. Silence has been embedded in Native American culture for a long time. In social situations if you were angry or upset you would just be silent. They did not express emotions. Small talk between Native Americans is not common unless it is absolutely necessary, or it was between close friends and family.
Physical forms of technological communicating also changed over time. First forms of physical communication started on foot, but as time went by Native Americans started using horses after they were introduced by the Spaniards. This form of communication brought dangers to the messengers and was a slow form of communication. The pony express eventually became the most popular form of communications for a time being.
First Paragraph – The opening is great becuase you layout everything you plan on talking about but it should flow. Try making an Introductory paragraph that has a nice concise thesis. Instead of just a break down.
Second Paragraph – Great information on how the smoke signals are transferred really gives a mental picture of American Indians making smoke signals upon a hill.
Third Paragraph -For Paragraph two at the end use a closing/opening sentence to elude the next paragrpah. It eases into the next paragraph rather than just picking up abruptly. Talk about what cultures use them.
The rest of the paper is great, just add more detail in each paragraph and just continue to show great effort. Good Job.
Spacing is an issue because it breaks format of MLA writing style.
Definitely a good start. Needs a few minor editing for grammar. I liked how you outlined exactly what you were going to talk about. I also liked how you talked about a wide variety of communication types– not just one.
Need to work on transitions, and add a conclusion. Also needs a works cited page.