Understanding and Being Understood

by Sanford Berman

This discussion provides an understanding of the relationship between language and behavior. The framework for this discussion is the principles advanced by the general semanticists. There are two distinct worlds in which we the verbal world of words and the non-verbal world of things. Words are merely symbols for the non-verbal realities. We properly evaluate situations when we pause and observe and choose a symbol not only for what it represents but also for how close it matches what really exists. Miscommunication occurs when we react as if words were things, when we unconsciously assume another person's words means to them what they mean to us, and, when a part is accepted as a whole. This last type inhibits us from learning additional and sometimes crucial facts. Each of us can develop an open mind and understand the principles of general semantics to help us better understand our daily behavior and communication.

Paperback

First published December 1, 1972

About the author

Cataloging librarian who crusaded to reform subject headings that were out of date and offensive.