Why do people misunderstand each other sometimes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lisa!
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons why misunderstandings occur in communication, particularly among individuals who share the same language. Participants explore various factors contributing to these misunderstandings, including communication styles, expectations, and psychological triggers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that misunderstandings can arise from unusual ways of communicating or false expectations about what is being said.
  • One participant provides an example of how familiar phrases are more easily understood compared to unusual constructions, indicating that listeners rely on past patterns of language.
  • Another participant notes that misunderstandings can occur even among native speakers, emphasizing that the problem may not solely be due to language proficiency.
  • Some argue that misunderstandings can be influenced by group dynamics, such as "groupthink," which can distort individual interpretations.
  • A participant mentions the psychological aspects of communication, suggesting that personal triggers can affect how individuals respond to certain topics.
  • There is a viewpoint that misunderstanding can have value, as it may lead to deeper insights into interpersonal dynamics and self-awareness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the causes of misunderstandings, with no clear consensus reached. Some agree on the role of communication style and expectations, while others highlight psychological factors and group dynamics as significant contributors.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that misunderstandings can stem from various sources, including individual communication habits and external influences, but do not resolve the complexities involved in these interactions.

  • #61
Banana, banana!
I'll disarm that guy!
*Rushes after the flying banana, is about to overtake it, but stumbles, face slamming into El Hombre's crotch*
 
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  • #62
Hey guys, do you like to fish?
 
  • #63
Banana is better than fish.
 
  • #64
It's fun esp. when you go fishing by a boat. You don't have to eat fishes that you catch.
 
  • #65
arildno said:
Banana, banana!
I'll disarm that guy!
*Rushes after the flying banana, is about to overtake it, but stumbles, face slamming into El Hombre's crotch*
Geddoff me banana!
 
  • #66
El Hombre Invisible said:
Geddoff me banana!
Sorry, my mistake, won't happen again. Do you want my banana, as a peace offering?
 
Last edited:
  • #67


I hope all of people who talk about banana, step on one and slip! :devil:
 
  • #68
Banana, bread and nutella :D
 
  • #69
Beware arildno, I've just ordered a stealth banana to be launched.

Banana, bread and nutella
Funnily enough I had one of those about three weeks ago.
 
  • #70
Daminc said:
Beware arildno, I've just ordered a stealth banana to be launched.
Am I in danger of getting stabbed in the back all of a sudden?
 
  • #71
arildno said:
Am I in danger of getting stabbed in the back all of a sudden?
Beware of people who smile at you while holding a banana.
 
  • #72
It's targetted at your feet. Your sole shall be displaced and you shall fall on your butt.
That's the plan anyway
 
  • #73
Has anyone ever slipped on a banana or banana peel? The only fruit I've ever slipped on was a rotten tomato, which was scary because I was hanging off a bridge at the time (ahhhh, my days of being the bridge-climbing champion of Shrewsbury...).
 
  • #74
El Hombre Invisible said:
Beware of people who smile at you while holding a banana.

Daminc said:
It's targetted at your feet. Your sole shall be displaced and you shall fall on your butt.
That's the plan anyway
:cry: :cry: :cry:
Unfriendly banana-wielders both of you!
I've made friendly overtures and been receptive and open to any suggestions, and how I am repaid for that?

Fie, you're no fun to play with!
El Hombre said:
Has anyone ever slipped on a banana or banana peel? The only fruit I've ever slipped on was a rotten tomato, which was scary because I was hanging off a bridge at the time (ahhhh, my days of being the bridge-climbing champion of Shrewsbury...)
And don't you dare, El Hombre, to try and slip on ME; it'll hurt, I promise.
 
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  • #75
Misunderstanding and ? what's the relation?
 
  • #76
Lisa! how can you NOT like bananas ? Is it the taste? The texture?
 
  • #77
Daminc said:
Lisa! how can you NOT like bananas ? Is it the taste? The texture?
I'll tell you exactly what is wrong with a banana; stick it in your mouth, and it SOFTENS and turns into mush.
 
  • #78
Chocolate does that and I bet you like chocolate.
 
  • #79
Daminc said:
Chocolate does that and I bet you like chocolate.
It doesn't; not right away.
I want to chew on my food before it softens; the banana does so way too prematurely.
 
  • #80
arildno said:
It doesn't; not right away.
I want to chew on my food before it softens; the banana does so way too prematurely.

And that makes u just eat more and mroe and more... :!)
 

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