Communicating

by Ruth Finnegan

Treatments of human communication mostly draw on cognitive and word-centred models to present it as predominantly a matter of words. This, Finnegan argues, seriously underestimates the far-reaching multi-modal qualities of human interconnecting and the senses of touch, olfaction, and, above all, audition and vision that we draw on. In an authoritative and readable account, Ruth Finnegan brings together research from linguistic and sensory anthropology, material culture, non-verbal communication, computer-mediated communication, and, strikingly, research on animal communication, such as the remarkable gesture systems of great apes. She draws on her background in classical studies and her long anthropological experience to present illuminating examples from throughout the world, past and present. The result is to uncover an amazing array of sounds, sights, smells, gestures, looks, movements, touches, and material objects used by humans and other animals to interconnect both nearby and across space and time She goes on to first explore the extra-sensory modes of communication now being revealed in the extraordinary "new science" research and then, in an incendiary conclusion, to deny the long-prevailing story of human history by questioning whether orality really came before literacy; whether it was really through "the acquisition of language" that our prehistoric cave painting ancestors made a sudden leap into being "true humans"; and finally, astonishingly, to ask whether human communicating had its first roots not, after all, in verbal language but something else. Not to be missed, this highly original book brings a fresh perspective on, among other things, that central topic of interest today – the dawn of human history – and on what being homo sapiens really means. This revised and updated edition has additional illustrations, updated chapters, and a new concluding chapter. A provocative and controversial account that will stir worldwide debate, this book is an essential transdisciplinary overview for researchers and advanced students in language and communication, anthropology, and cultural studies.

338 pages, Hardcover

Published October 30, 2023

About the author

See

http://garnpress.com/authors/ruth-fin...

http://garnpress.com/2016/garn-press-...

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Finnegan's Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication is not merely a book centered on human communication and relationships; it delves into the broader realms of connections, linkages, culture, history, and even social issues. Divided into four parts, the author explores a wide range of topics encompassing communication, human interaction, art, human senses, media, and much more. One commendable aspect is how the author starts with the fundamentals before delving into more intricate subjects. Finnegan initiates the exploration with the fundamental question: What does communication truly entail? As one progresses through the text, it becomes evident that articulately answering this question is not a common feat. While every human engages in communication, the true essence of this act remains elusive. Ruth Finnegan adeptly elucidates, with illustrative examples, that the assertion "humans communicate" is a truism, offering varying perspectives instead of becoming entangled in definitional debates.

Throughout the four sections of the book, Ruth Finnegan traces the evolution of human interaction over the years, making this a captivating and educational read. Finnegan underscores the idea that humans communicate through all their senses, not solely through speech. Furthermore, the book acknowledges that animals also possess their unique methods of interacting with other animals and even with humans. What makes this book enjoyable is the author's ability to simplify technical terminology for casual readers. While some chapters delve into profound subjects, the tone and writing style remain accessible to readers of all levels. Particularly captivating is the exploration of diverse communication systems and styles across the world. It is truly intriguing to uncover how humans have evolved over time and how verbal and written communication differ and converge across various societies.

Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication serves as an invaluable resource for gaining insight into oneself and expanding one's understanding of human and animal interactions. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the content's appeal and aids in comprehension. One cannot help but admire the author's extensive research and her respectful acknowledgment of diverse cultures.

[Diana Levit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit – I am a fan of Ruth Finnegan. I have read multiple fiction books written by Ruth and I was always amused by the passion she puts in all of her writings.

Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication is the first non-fiction piece of Ruth Finnegan I have read, and I must say Finnegan has exceeded my expectations.

I was always interested in the concept of human interactions and so was very intrigued to start reading Communicating. My biggest fear, however, was that this was an academic piece and I was scared that since I have absolutely no background in anthropology or any related field, I would not understand a thing. Luckly for me, I was absolutely wrong.

Although written in an academic manner the piece is easy-to-read. Finnegan does an incredible job in explaining the concept of the communication from both phonetic and social angles, somehow managing to keep her storytelling digestible and easy-to-follow.

It shows that Finnegan is an expert in this field and has surely put a lot of research in this topic, but at the same time Ruth menages to retain the signature passioned style of writing.

Communicating by Ruth Finnegan is a very well-researched and well-written piece that provides multilayered analysis on the subject of human communication. I appreciate the fact the author has kept this book dynamic and entertaining while making it a scientific piece. I truly enjoyed reading it without ever feeling overwhelmed with information and even went ahead researching some chapters further.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Communicating by Ruth Finnegan to anyone who would like to learn about the confusing yet absolutely fascinating science of communication, as this is by far the most passionate scientific piece I have stumbled upon in a while.

[Lilly]

Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Interconnection by Ruth Finnegan is an eye-opening exploration of human communication that has left an indelible mark on my understanding of the subject. This book challenges the conventional view that communication is primarily a matter of words and cognition. Instead, it reveals the profound multi-modal nature of human interaction, encompassing senses like touch, smell, sound, and vision.

Ruth Finnegan's expertise in linguistic and sensory anthropology shines through as she weaves together research from diverse fields, including animal communication and material culture. Her examples from various cultures and time periods illustrate the rich tapestry of sensory elements that humans employ to connect with one another.

The book's exploration of extra-sensory communication is particularly fascinating, raising thought-provoking questions about our history and the origins of human communication. It challenges long-held beliefs about the evolution of language and offers a fresh perspective on our shared human story.

As a reader deeply interested in anthropology and cultural studies, I found this book to be a treasure trove of insights. It's a captivating journey that reshapes our understanding of how we connect as humans. This revised edition, with additional illustrations and updated chapters, is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of communication and human evolution. Communicating is a groundbreaking work that has broadened my horizons and left me inspired to explore this fascinating subject further.

[Claudia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first edition of Communicating: The Multiple Modes of Human Communication when it was first published at the beginning of the millennium. I really admire Professor Ruth Finnegan's passion and dedication, so it was a joy to read the newest version of the book almost 20 years later!

As social animals, humans rely on the ability to communicate, but what truly defines communication? Does verbal language truly make us humans? Can we prove if oral communication came before written language or vice versa? This book takes a deep dive into diverse forms of communication, such as sound, touch, visuals, smell, and technology. It not only explores what it means to be human but also delves into the fascinating ways in which animals communicate. It also touches on art, music, and the concept of telepathy.

I thoroughly enjoyed gazing at the beautiful pictures and the diagrams that explain concepts. The abundance of meaningful quotes and excerpts from other relevant books adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. This book is primarily aimed at academic readers, particularly those in the fields of anthropology, linguistics, and cultural history. The content may not be easily comprehensible at first glance. Certain sections might seem overwhelming and require you to pause and focus in order to fully grasp the meaning.
However, Communicating provides ample information and stimulates the mind. It deserves a 5-star rating from me.