Associative Method: L'2

Choice of Name: This method was originally called informational because most information is highly specific to the group that provides it. Independently and abstractly developed information systems usually cannot be connected to operations because categories and meanings are locally tailored and idiosyncratic to those working there.

Features

This is the language of familiarity. Words are used here as if they are things: seemingly indistinguishable from their meaning and what they represent. The group's specific experiences and shared values provide the context that gives sense to specific terms and to the communicative exchanges.

Communications (and the underlying thought processes) are typically:

Members of the group have enough commonality for misunderstandings to be easily rectified. Group members are usually seeking to get basic needs met in an ever-changing context. These needs might involve obtaining reassurance or approval, or pursuing shared tasks, or simply whiling away time. At the extreme, a person is simply blathering on and allowed to do so by others.

Communicating in an associative way, being so natural and easy, is probably used by everyone whenever possible . It will be used regularly amongst intimates, and it is certainly used by many for all or much of the time in the workplace.

Examples

ClosedMultipurpose Terms

ClosedHandle a Manager's Meeting

ClosedRelaxing in the Bar

ClosedFragment of the Watergate Tapes

Criticisms: Fair and Unfair

It is easy to criticize associative communication if you are committed to one of the more objective or organized ways of using language. It seems so unreliable, so exclusive and even escapist—almost ghetto-like.

While it is fair to say that there is a danger that fallacies in thinking or judging will result from the sloppiness of uncontrolled associations, this way of communicating is easy, quick and natural. We all use it and always will.


Originally posted: 5-Jan-2013. Last amended: 10-Feb-2023.