What Is Conversology?
By Dr Charles Margerison
A word that ends with the term ‘ology’ refers to an area of study. The study of psychology, biology, anthropology and other major areas have led to vital advances in knowledge and quality of life. The study of immunology has helped save millions of lives. The study of geology has led to the discovery of valuable materials. The study of sociology helps us to understand the structure of different societies and the implications for interaction and development.
To communicate in these areas, we develop specific words and meanings. Conferences are held where people, who devote their career to the subjects, meet and share advances in knowledge. Many of these professional areas ending with the suffix of ‘ology’, are taught in schools, colleges and universities. They all involve hours and hours of conversation. However, the art and science of conversation has not been formally defined as an ology. Therefore, this article outlines the case for Conversology as a fundamental area for study and tuition.
Why We Need Conversology
There are many elements in any conversation and the issues can be studied by other disciplines. A key area of Psychology is the study of how we learn. Philology is the historical study of both oral and written communication. Anthropology covers the study of people in different communities, inclusive of their language. However, the art and science of conversation in social, professional and business settings is an area of study that has not received the same attention, although it is fundamental to all of our lives.
After every meeting or discussion, we walk away with either more or less confidence. Each conversation either raises or lowers our spirits. Every conversation has an impact on our life, as we are using valuable time. The extent to which we succeed in life within our work, our relationships and our wellbeing, depends on the extent to which we are effective in conversation. However, Conversology is not a subject that is found on the school curriculum. Nor, is Conversology a subject taught at University.
Nonetheless, it is a subject that is referred to with feeling each day. For example, you have heard people say, – ‘That meeting was a waste of time.’, or ‘I was upset by the way he spoke to me’, or ‘There was more left unsaid than said and I don’t trust them.’
Applications
• Parent / Child DiscussionsThe Art and Science of Conversology
More recently, we have witnessed the emergence of terms like ‘critical thinking’ and ‘proactive thinking’ as important phrases in education. These relate to improving people’s ability to converse. Also, a field of study in psychology called ‘discursive analysis’ has emerged as a professional area of enquiry. This assesses the way people discuss, and looks at issues of meaning such as those covered by people who focus on semiotics. Likewise, those who study Communication Analysis and Oracy have made contributions to the study of social interaction. Sociolinguistics is a specific subject that compares and contrasts the language within different societies and cultures.The Need for Conversology
Summary
The impact of effective conversation is recognized on a personal emotional basis in the way we deal with situations of conflict and disagreement. We know if we are happy or annoyed in the way that we are treated by family, friends, colleagues and those with whom we meet in shops, restaurants, or cafes. There is a cost to every conversation in terms of time. Conversations move us forward or backward. Someone who is effective at conversation can enhance our life. Those who abuse us in conversations are guilty of verbal assault.References
‘If Only I Had Said’ -C J Margerison – Mercury Publications.
‘Handbook of Language and Social Interaction’ D Edwards. 2005
‘Conversation and Cognition’ H Te Molder, J Potter 2005
‘Discursive and Social Psychology’ J Potter , M Wetherell 1987”
‘Discursive Psychology’ Sally Wiggins 2016
“Discursive Psychology’ Derek Edwards, Jonathan Potter, 1992
‘Discursive Psychology in Practice’ Rom Harre, Peter N Stearns, 1995
‘Learning and Language in the classroom’’ Peter Chilver, Gerard Gould
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FOUNDER – Dr Charles Margerison is a Chartered Education Psychologist and has consulted widely for major organizations in the fields of organizational and educational psychology. He was previously Professor of Management at Cranfield University, UK, and the University of Queensland, Australia. Dr Margerison founded Amazing People Worldwide in 2006 and is supported by a dedicated global team. He previously co-founded Emerald Insights, and Team Management Systems and has authored more than 30 books.
