Write Two Pages On Nell The Movie

Write Two Pages On Nell The Movie Httpsyoutubec0klk Durb8write

Write two pages on "Nell" the Movie. Write four interpersonal communication concepts on the movie "Nell." Nell: Questions to reflect on as you watch or just after watching the movie:

1. What is the speech culture for Nell? Others? How do they intersect? Why is her “language” distorted?
2. Language vs. communication: what interpersonal skills does Nell have not necessarily relative to language itself?
3. Thought/Meaning/Language: how does that develop throughout the movie?
4. How and why is non-verbal communication important? Are there “negative” non-verbal communications?
5. What is the communication between Nell and Mary?
6. Why do the psychologists discuss the object/subject self? What don’t they understand?
7. How does the concept of object/subject self change as the movie progresses?
8. What is the looking glass self? How does that change? Relate symbolic interaction, linguistic determinism and linguistic relativity to this.
9. How do we see sympathetic and empathetic listening?
10. Who is ethnocentric in the movie?
11. How does your understanding of Nell’s language change for you from the beginning to the end of the movie?

Paper For Above instruction

The movie "Nell," directed by Michael Apted and starring Jodie Foster, is a profound exploration of communication, language development, and human connection. It vividly depicts the life of Nell, a woman raised in isolation, whose unique speech and behavior challenge conventional understandings of language and social interaction. This film provides rich material for analyzing interpersonal communication concepts, especially regarding how language shapes thought and identity, the importance of non-verbal cues, and the social constructions of self.

One of the central themes in "Nell" is the speech culture of Nell herself and how it intersects with the society around her. Nell’s language is a hybrid of proto-words, sounds, and gestures that reflect her isolated upbringing. Her speech does not conform to standard linguistic norms, a distortion resulting from her lack of exposure to conventional language in her formative years. The society around her perceives her language as unintelligible, which leads to misunderstandings and social exclusion. However, Nell’s speech culture also reveals her internal world and her attempt to communicate meaningfully. The intersection of her innately developed language with societal expectations highlights how language is not merely a tool for communication but also a reflection of cultural identity.

Furthermore, the movie illustrates critical distinctions between language and communication. Nell possesses remarkable interpersonal skills such as empathy, emotional expression, and intuitive understanding, which are evident even without formal linguistic competence. Her ability to connect emotionally with others demonstrates that effective communication extends beyond words. For instance, her non-verbal cues—such as facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact—serve as vital channels for conveying feelings and establishing bonds. These cues often surpass spoken language in importance, especially in contexts where words may be misunderstood or insufficient.

Throughout the film, thoughts, meaning, and language evolve dynamically. Initially, Nell’s limited language confines her to a more instinctive level of communication. As her interactions with Dr. Jerome Morrow and others deepen, her understanding of her own thoughts and feelings begins to flourish. The development illustrates the idea that language influences how we interpret our internal experiences and articulate them. As Nell increasingly gains exposure to social settings, her internal world becomes more complex, with her thoughts gaining clarity and coherence. This mirrors the psychological concept that language is instrumental in shaping consciousness and self-awareness.

Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in Nell’s interactions, often compensating for her linguistic limitations. Her expressive facial expressions, body language, and gestures provide insights into her emotional state. However, not all non-verbal cues are positive; misunderstandings sometimes arise, such as when societal fears interpret her behaviors as abnormal or threatening. These negative non-verbal communications reflect societal biases and the prejudicial lens through which her actions are viewed. Recognizing the importance of non-verbal cues emphasizes that effective communication transcends spoken words and requires sensitivity to context and cultural norms.

The relationship between Nell and Mary is a microcosm of nurturing communication. Mary’s patience and empathy facilitate Nell’s social integration and self-discovery. Their communication emphasizes listening, reassurance, and understanding—fundamental components of interpersonal skills. The psychologist's discussion of the object/subject self reveals their struggle to comprehend Nell’s experiential world. They initially see her as an object needing remediation rather than a subject with her own agency. Over time, as Nell’s self-awareness develops, her perception of herself shifts, reflecting how the object/subject self is fluid and dynamically shaped by social interactions.

The concept of the object/subject self is central to understanding Nell’s psychological growth. Initially, she is perceived as an object—an entity needing to be fixed. However, as the film progresses, she begins to assert her subjectivity, expressing her individuality through her actions and emerging language. This transition showcases the significance of recognizing individuals as autonomous subjects with their own perspectives, despite societal labels. The looking glass self theory further elucidates this process—Nell’s self-image develops through her interactions with others, particularly seen in her evolving confidence and acknowledgment of her uniqueness. This process is influenced by linguistic relativity, where language shapes her worldview, and symbolic interactionism, which emphasizes the importance of social feedback.

Listening plays an essential role in creating empathetic and sympathetic connections within the film. Nell’s ability to listen to herself and others signifies her deep emotional intelligence. Sympathetic listening involves genuinely understanding others’ feelings, while empathetic listening extends this by sharing in their emotional experience. Mary’s attentive listening fosters trust and mutual understanding, illustrating the power of active engagement in communication. Conversely, societal reactions often lack this level of empathy, highlighting societal ethnocentrism—the tendency to judge Nell through a narrow cultural lens, perceiving her as "abnormal" without appreciating her unique communication style.

At the beginning of the film, my understanding of Nell’s language was limited to its apparent incomprehensibility. However, as the story unfolds, I come to see her language not as defective but as a different mode of expression rooted in her experiences. This shift parallels the broader recognition that language shapes perception—linguistic determinism and relativity suggest that the language we speak influences how we think and interpret the world. Nell’s journey illustrates that non-verbal and contextual cues are vital for true understanding, underscoring the importance of patience and cultural sensitivity in communication.

References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The structure of magic I: A book about language and therapy. Science and Behavior Books.
• Bavelas, J. B. (1994). Listening and understanding in interpersonal communication. Journal of Communication, 44(4), 51–64.
• Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.
• Hymes, D. (1974). Foundations in sociolinguistics. Oxford University Press.
• Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and his symbols. Dell Publishing.
• Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, self, and society. University of Chicago Press.
• Palmer, S. E. (1999). Vision science: Volume I. MIT Press.
• Schutz, A. (1962). Collected papers I: The problem of social reality. Springer.
• Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech acts: An essay in the philosophy of language. Cambridge University Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.