Speech Codes Theory

Speech Codes Theory

Example: A Group's Slang Terminology

Remember People Might Not Understand Your Speech Code

The example of a group's slang terminology supports Speech Codes Theory. A speech code is a specific language used by small social groups to convey information in non traditional ways. It is important to note that each small social group has their own distinct language they use. For example, basketball players say, "He just got baptized" or "He got postered" when it comes to a guy getting dunked on hard by another player. They also use phrases that only another basketball player other athletes might pick up on like, "All day, all ball, shut down, or hack-a-shaq." Baseball players say words or phrases like, "backstop, five tool player, hot corner, go yonder, got heem, hit the gap, come on babe, dip, here we go kid, etc.." There are hundreds of slang words and phrases that baseball players use, but I wanted to keep them short and sweet. Football players use words or phrases like, "three and out, ice the kicker, the trenches, being a student of the game, sack, etc.." The point I am making is that social groups like sports teams, theatre students, student council, etc... all have words or phrases that make since to them, but do not make sense to other people hearing them. That is what the Speech Codes Theory is about.

I believe this theory is important for others to understand. Seeing as I played 4 sports in high school and my whole life (baseball, football, basketball, and soccer), I understand a lot of the slang in sports. However, I do not understand the speech codes of politicians, drama people, and journalists. Simply put, I need to remember who I am talking to when it comes to using the speech codes I have developed. If I am talking with people who don't know a thing about sports, I probably shouldn't use my sports speech code. I believe this theory will help me out tremendously in my communication skills. This is because it has taught me that not everyone understands what I am saying when I am talking about certain subjects. Some people have never heard of the words or phrases I say and I need to realize that before I start using them. I need to be able to communicate to everyone in a way that they will understand. Some people who have played sports or know the terminology will be easier to talk to because I know the speech code and so do they. Other times, I might be speaking with someone who has done nothing but drama or theatre productions their whole life. That person and myself would have a very difficult time communicating if they used their speech code and I used mine. It would be like me going to Mexico and trying to talk to someone who doesn't know a word of English. There would be a huge communication breakdown. At the end of the day, I need to pay close attention to who my audience will be or just the single person I will be talking with. I need to remember that not everyone understands my social class's speech codes. Because of this, I need to work on broadening my vocabulary as well as trying to learn other speech codes (music, theatre, art, politics, etc...) in order to successfully communicate with multiple people from multiple social groups.