Speech Team as a Subculture
At my high school, I was a member of the Speech Team for four years. Our team fits the definition of a subculture because of our unique cultural patterns (SOC 1001 lecture 2). By examining the cultural characteristics, material culture, and non-material culture, the Speech Team at my high school can be thoroughly evaluated as a subculture. The members of Eden Prairie High School’s Speech Team were a part of a subculture by cause of certain shared behaviors that they learned by being involved with the team (SOC 1001 lecture 2). For example, before tournaments, the entire team participates in vocal warmups to prepare for the day. Each new member learns the actions and words of the warmups, so they can participate …show more content…
One facet is language. Our team had certain words, phrases, and sayings that allowed us to communicate with each other (SOC 1001 lecture 2). One example could be saying that a person “broke.” Although it sounds similar to an unfortunate event, this actually means that the person advanced to a final round. Other words that are notable in speech language are “pop” and “blocking.” These words are used in interpretive categories, such as dramatic interpretation and humorous interpretation. “Pop” refers to the motion used by the performer to change between characters in their presentations. “Blocking” involves all the physical actions the performer does during their performances. Additional speech lingo includes nicknames for a few categories. For example, the category of original oratory is referred to as “OO,” discussion is called “disco,” and informative is dubbed as “info.” The language used in speech was exclusive to the members, and others would be confused when confronted with the words used in this context. This made language an influential element of the speech …show more content…
There are a plethora of behaviors that are accepted as appropriate and inappropriate during Speech Team events (SOC 1001 lecture 2). One apparent norm is that during award ceremonies at tournaments, there is a certain one-clap system for the winners. The audience will clap once for second to seventh place winners and give a standing applause to the first place winner for each category. This method is socially accepted at speech tournaments because it is considered efficient and deviating from it is looked down upon. Another norm is the way competitors practice before rounds at a tournament. They will find an open place and face the wall to practice their speeches. This is coined the term “talking to walls” because the competitors pretend the wall is their audience. Although this may be considered bizarre and unacceptable in any other social setting, it is perfectly reasonable to do this at speech
At my high school, I was a member of the Speech Team for four years. Our team fits the definition of a subculture because of our unique cultural patterns (SOC 1001 lecture 2). By examining the cultural characteristics, material culture, and non-material culture, the Speech Team at my high school can be thoroughly evaluated as a subculture. The members of Eden Prairie High School’s Speech Team were a part of a subculture by cause of certain shared behaviors that they learned by being involved with the team (SOC 1001 lecture 2). For example, before tournaments, the entire team participates in vocal warmups to prepare for the day. Each new member learns the actions and words of the warmups, so they can participate …show more content…
One facet is language. Our team had certain words, phrases, and sayings that allowed us to communicate with each other (SOC 1001 lecture 2). One example could be saying that a person “broke.” Although it sounds similar to an unfortunate event, this actually means that the person advanced to a final round. Other words that are notable in speech language are “pop” and “blocking.” These words are used in interpretive categories, such as dramatic interpretation and humorous interpretation. “Pop” refers to the motion used by the performer to change between characters in their presentations. “Blocking” involves all the physical actions the performer does during their performances. Additional speech lingo includes nicknames for a few categories. For example, the category of original oratory is referred to as “OO,” discussion is called “disco,” and informative is dubbed as “info.” The language used in speech was exclusive to the members, and others would be confused when confronted with the words used in this context. This made language an influential element of the speech …show more content…
There are a plethora of behaviors that are accepted as appropriate and inappropriate during Speech Team events (SOC 1001 lecture 2). One apparent norm is that during award ceremonies at tournaments, there is a certain one-clap system for the winners. The audience will clap once for second to seventh place winners and give a standing applause to the first place winner for each category. This method is socially accepted at speech tournaments because it is considered efficient and deviating from it is looked down upon. Another norm is the way competitors practice before rounds at a tournament. They will find an open place and face the wall to practice their speeches. This is coined the term “talking to walls” because the competitors pretend the wall is their audience. Although this may be considered bizarre and unacceptable in any other social setting, it is perfectly reasonable to do this at speech