Writing Assignment #1 Final

By Deondre Anderson

CIS- 270WX-02

Instructor: MAJ Sook Ha

Date: 3/09/16

Help Received: Internet Deondre Anderson

 

Non-written Communication Signals

 

In this paper I will be talking about the Native Americans non written communication methods. These methods include smoke signals, body gesture, and storytelling. They were popular communication method. I will be talking about why they used these communication methods and the effects they had on the civilization. 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. The primary focus of this essay will be to show you how people communicated before technology was introduced. This will happen by going back and showing how others used to communicate before technological advancements changed the way of communicating.

 

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. [1]

 

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 is a sign 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. [2]

 

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. [4]

 

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 became known as the pony express. 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. [2]

 

My thoughts about non-written communication signals are that they played a major key in the lives of Native Americans. In my opinion these communication methods were the foundation for the ones that soon came after. Not only were they effective, the led the way to more innovative techniques. However based on the methods that are listed above I consider the smoke signals to be the most effective form of communication. I came to this conclusion based on the fact that it can be communicated over the longest distance between two stationary people, and that there was a special code assigned between the sender and receiver.

 

In conclusion non-written communication was an important aspect in the lives of Native Americans. Even though technology wasn’t physically present, this can be seen in the light of IT because Native Americans used these methods to communicate important messages and information about what was going on in the community. They were also able to communicate promptly about threats and dangers. Although many better technological advancements flourished over time, these non-written communications methods are still used today in some cultures and societies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

1. “Smoke Signals.”– Dead Media Archive. Wikipedia, 24 Nov. 2010. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
2. “Telecommunications Virtual Museum.”Telecommunications Virtual Museum. Virtual Museum, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
3. “Smoke Signals.” The Meaning of Smoke Signals. Indians.org, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
4. Rice, Marah. “Cultural Differences in Communication.”    Native Americans. Native Americans, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.