One of the central places in the process of communication is verbal communication. Verbal communication is one form of social communication, which plays a significant role in the communication process, and it is one of the universal ways of transmitting thoughts. In the proposed reading, verbal communication is interpreted by the author as one of the forms of social communication1. In it, the interaction between individuals and representatives of various social groups is carried out using speech means of communication.
The concept of verbal communication chosen by the author can be described as direct, pretentious, and situational. Due to the direct style of the concept, the degree of expression of a person’s inner motives and intentions in the process of communication is revealed2. The text begins with the expression of actual intentions and there is no room for understatement in it: “Brothers, I want with all my heart, and I pray to God that the Israelites will be saved” (Rom., 10: 1).
The pretentious style of the sermon involves the use of rich, expressive language in communication: “The word is close to you, it is on your lips and in your heart” (Rom., 10: 8). Representatives of some cultures are accustomed to using an exact style, which involves concise, restrained statements. Therefore, using this style can negatively affect intercultural communication – it can make a speech too challenging to understand3. The situational type of the sermon focuses on the role of communication participants and not on their personalities. This style reflects the hierarchy of social relations and is characteristic of collectivist cultures. The situational approach allows the sermon to be logical and predictable, putting the participants in the conversation in the appropriate role positions of a Christian and the son of God.
It can be concluded that verbal communication is undoubtedly the universal means of preaching. Using the presented concept of oral communication, gospel witness acquires an even greater meaningful, emotional, and influencing meaning in an intercultural setting. The dialogue between representatives of different cultures is confirmed and deepened in various spheres and at different levels. Therefore, it is essential to choose among the variety of concepts and strategies of verbal communication the most suitable for the interaction of different cultures.
Bibliography
Chang, Tim, and Ashley Chang. “What Is the Connection Between Verbal Communication and Culture? ” In Christian Intercultural Communication: How to Share God’s Love with People of Other Cultures, 109-129. Dubuque: KendallHunt, 2021.
Lidorio, R. A., and Abraham Jun. “Cultural Analysis and Thematic Biblical Theology Cross-Cultural Approach of Gospel Communication.” Conspectus—The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary 28, no. 1 (2019): 139-160.
Siewert, Frances, ed. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition. Michigan: Zondervan, 2015.
Simon, Mark. “Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective.” Review of Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective, by A. Scott Moreau, Evvy Hay Campbell, and Susan Greener. Sola Gratia 1, no. 2 (2021): 209-212.
Footnotes
- Andrew Chang and Ashley Chang, “What Is the Connection Between Verbal Communication and Culture?”, in Christian Intercultural Communication: How to Share God’s Love with People of Other Cultures (Dubuque: KendallHunt, 2021),115.
- Mark Simon, “Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective,” review of Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective, by A. Scott Moreau, Evvy Hay Campbell, and Susan Greener. Sola Gratia 1, no. 2 (2021): 211.
- Ronaldo Almeida Lidorio and Abraham Jun, “Cultural Analysis and Thematic Biblical Theology Cross-Cultural Approach of Gospel Communication,” Conspectus—The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary 28, no. 1 (2019): 159.