DEBATE: Resolved that Nonverbal Communication is a Subset of Semiotics

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

The successful proposal for a new NCA division for NVC prompted a lively conversation between Ross Buck and Isaac E. Catt. As a semiotic phenomenologist, Catt contends that NVC is the proper subject matter of semiotics. Buck agrees that symbolic NVC can be classed under semiotics (broadly defined) but contends that spontaneous NVC does not fall under semiotics because it need not involve an encoding-decoding process, symbols, propositional content, or consciousness. Rather, it involves displays-preattunements and signs, is nonpropositional and nonvoluntary, and may be unconscious. Therefore, Catt, followed by Frank Macke, will affirm the proposition, and Buck, followed by Peter Andersen, will negate it.

Sub Unit

• Semiotics and Communication Division

Participant

• Isaac E Catt, Millersville University

• Ross W. Buck, Univ of Connecticut, Storrs

• Peter A. Andersen, San Diego State Univ

• Frank Macke, Mercer University