Psychology 409B: The Unity Model of Marriage 1/24/06

Psychology 409B: The Unity Model of Marriage 2/14/06

Surface Harmony and Underlying Discord

By Carly Kanemaru

I. Introduction

-This observation was made by Deborah Tannen

-The topics being discussed are from pages 137-148 in “Gender and Discourse” by Deborah Tannen.

II. What is Surface Harmony?

-Surface Harmony is the given appearance that everything is as it should be and is good (harmony).

-This is the external view and observation through positive linguistic strategies to reflect that of a harmonious nature.

-However, often times, the deeper emotions running through the conversation may express negativity and aversive emotions.

III. What is Underlying Discord?

-The problematic issue that is hidden in the conversational linguistics exchanged between conversing individuals.

-The underlying discord is the problem that is being attempted to be hidden.

-In simple definitions, it the conflict that is hidden within a conversation.

IV. Examples of Surface Harmony and Underlying Discord

-There are different types of strategies at creating surface harmony when an underlying discord is present.

-Johan and Marianne are married and seem like the perfect couple.

-After Marianne becomes pregnant and has an abortion, a subtle and slight hint of difficulty arises.

-“The two are both dissatisfied but all problems are swept under the rug and hidden under the surface.”

-Marianne tries to create linguistic harmony by expressing her positivity towards Johan.

-Johan does the opposite by trying to belittle her opinions and positive attitude.

-Example:

Johan: Must it always be that two people who live together for a long time begin to tire of each other?

Marianne: We haven’t tired.

Johan: Almost.

Marianne: (Indulgently) We work too hard-that’s what’s so banal. And in the evenings we’re too tired.

Marianne: But we like each other in every way.

Johan: Not in that way. Not very much anyhow.

Marianne: Oh yes, we do.

V. My Opinion

-I see surface harmony more frequently used with females to provide support and avoid conflict.

-Even when there is underlying discord, we don’t like to be completely confrontational so we try to passively make our points.

Related Links

Deborah Tannen’s home page includes her other published works in her pursuit for links between linguistics and the impact on others.

This website discusses the surface harmony patterns.

The website is talks about different linguistic strategies cross-culturally.

My Home page:

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