Communication Strategies: Based on Phoebe from Friends

Ji, Hyun Lee

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2012;13(2):61-80.
Published online September 30, 2012.

Communication Strategies: Based on Phoebe from Friends

Abstract

Since communication competence has become a topic of interest in language learning and teaching, there has been a lot of research into communication strategies. Tarone (1981) claimed communication strategies are used to compensate for deficiencies in the linguistic system. Communication strategies are avoidance strategies and compensatory strategies and the research has focused largely on the compensatory nature of communication strategies (Brown, 2007). This study investigates other aspects of communication strategies. Communication strategies should pertain to the communication not just to language. The aim of communication is the delivery of a speaker's intention. Just avoiding or compensating for the linguistic difficulties is a passive way to communicate. In real communicative situations, taking control in a conversation is more important than linguistic knowledge. If this kind of strategy can be taught in the classroom, it would be appropriate to teach how to establish the leading position in a conversation. In regard to this point, this study examines the communication strategies of the character Phoebe in the popular American sitcom Friends. Phoebe always beats her friends in conversations. The study tries to find out her strengths and what strategies she uses to hold the lead in communication.

Key Words: communication strategies;Friends;Phoebe