Robert Arguello

Emily Litle
Eng Comp-121003
March-15, 2017
Paper-3

Summary on "Speech Acts, Genres, and Activity Systems":

My initial view on Bazermans paper was one of confusion because I could not

reasonably accept this paper was beneficial for the lame because it was so

complicated. As I read the paper more and focused on the meat of the content it

became very clear that the paper had more value being complicated. What I mean

by this is that the complexity offered me time to ponder what was written and then

read it again. It created an emotional response each time because I was not

comfortable with the style of writing but I knew it was necessary for Bazerman to

accomplish his intent, and for me, it stimulated creative thinking.

One of the most intriguing topics Bazerman speaks about is the social structures

that exist and have been developed through a belief system, and how that belief

can drive how we perceive situations or social issues (Bazerman 312). For instance,

if the United States government would not have informed the world that Japan was

going to fight to the last man and that the cost of US lives would be significant we

may not have had a majority acceptance for the use of the atomic bomb (Browne).

According to Bazerman speech acts operate on three levels; the locutionary

act/what is said; the illocutionary act/the intended act; and the perlocutionary

effect/ the actual effect. In order to coordinate our speech acts with others, we act

in typical ways and these forms of communication are referred to as a genre

(Bazerman 370). The belief that we had to bomb Hiroshima would then be the

genre. The collective belief in the genre is what Bazerman refers to as the genre

set (Bazerman 318), and in the case of the Hiroshima bomb drop by the US that
Robert Arguello
Emily Litle
Eng Comp-121003
March-15, 2017
Paper-3

belief made it easier for the President to authorize the use of such a destructive

weapon.

A personal way of applying Bazermans theory is how I have approached my

transition from a mandated and monitored environment at Fort Lyon to an

unrestricted and self-reliant existence. I found that the genre I committed to, was

beneficial because it was structured and proven to be effective on many levels. I

was aware of the potential for uncomfortable moments as I changed my life and my

setting but I was still not able to transition seamlessly. The genre system I was

reliant on included Fort Lyon; OJC; Work; AA; and Church. Spending personal time

with family was subject to change based on the genre system which meant I was

very dependent on this system being in place. Another example of how my genre

set was critical to my comfort level was how I would feel on all levels when that

familiarity was interrupted and I had open time that had to be addressed, and if it

wasnt filled immediately I felt the impact. At times I felt lost and not sure of myself,

and that lead to self-reflection. On a deeper level, I had to acknowledge my

tendency to rely on routine and compliance from all parties in support, and I would

have to define this as my selfishness and inability to be flexible.

Understanding the impact of this theory I now realize I left little room for error in my

set and in retrospect I made a mistake. The genre system I have identified is very

limited on how much change it can endure and still be useful. I would now say I

have to revisit my genre and genre set in order for my system to work best. This

means I have to be more prepared for change and accepting of change on all levels
Robert Arguello
Emily Litle
Eng Comp-121003
March-15, 2017
Paper-3

and be willing to adjust my way of thinking and acting in order to create less stress

on myself and those in my life.

Summary:

Bazermans theory was complicated for me initially because I could not visualize how

it applied to my life and that led to a wall of reluctance based on my previous belief

system/genre. The application of this theory enables me to better understand the

power of perception and like beliefs. The ability to recognize, and accept my genres

now offers me the opportunity impact those recognizable, self-reinforcing forms of

communication (314) and to alter those genres if they are not effective in my life.

The benefit to this model/theory is it can also help me identify the genres and

systems utilized by those I communicate with on a daily basis. In theory, I should

become a more balanced person a better communicator.

Works cited:

Speech Acts, Genres, and Activity Systems: How Texts Organize Activity

And People. What Writing Does and How It Does It. Ed. Charles
Robert Arguello
Emily Litle
Eng Comp-121003
March-15, 2017
Paper-3

Bazerman and Paul Prior. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2004. 309-

39. Print.

By Ryan Browne

Updated 8:02 AM ET, Fri May 27, 2016

Why did the US bomb Hiroshima?

Why did the US do it?

By Ryan Browne

Updated 8:02 AM ET, Fri May 27, 2016

Why did the US bomb Hiroshima?

Why did the US do it?