Scott Bristol's 'Values@Hand'.

Languaging Change

Summary. "It is by languaging that the act of knowing, in the behavioral coordination which is language, brings forth a world." Categorizing-generating objects that define a linguistic domain, is not a passive description of an external world, it is an explanation of our cognitive, affective, and physical engagement in said world to others who are engaged in the same domain.  As we learn to cooperatively and intentionally influence our physical domain, languaging, via categorizing, takes on more specificity. A domain of competence, a specific area of expertise like teaching, medicine, or engineering, establishes its own set of specific languaging categories that agents use to trigger cooperation and achieve results.

Levels of Categorization

Three different levels of experience and categorization are used in languaging: general, basic, and specific.

 Example of physical domain categorization:

 Example of linguistic domain categorization:

General Level experience and categorizing represents an awareness of a large set of objects that we know are similar in their functionality and in how we cooperatively use them. 

Basic Level experience and categorizing is based on our gestalt-perception, sensorimotor programs, and mental images (Lakoff and Johnson, 1999, p26-30). It is the level at which we interact optimally with the physical domain and has given us evolutionary advantage. More specifically:

Specific Level experience and categorizing is necessary for competence, such that the speaker can use language to influence intentional change.

An example of specific level categorizing within a domain of competence-Psychiatry, is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), as authored by over a 1000 professionals. It identifies at a specific level over 300 mental disorders.

Implicit in this categorizing is that the science and logic of treatment is different for different specific disorders. Both the disorder (behavior) in relationship to different treatments emerge to define different specific level experience and categorization. Categorizing at the specific level emerges from the need to influence, not a passive observation.

Influencing Change

In order to influence change, within a domain of competence (Medicine, Engineering, Therapy, Coaching, etc) the practitioner needs to engage at the specific level. Often when students enter a new domain of competence they learn the basic level language that heightens there awareness and description of difference. But it isn't until they learn to engage at the specific level that they are able to talk about and influence change.

Defining Different Value Categories 

In keeping with LJMap's mission:

"The Life Journey Map® is a values measurement tool and an educational methodology for effecting meaningful change at the individual, group, and cultural level".

A coach/consultant is not likely to be able to use values measurement and methodology to influence change until he or she engages the methodology at the specific level. LJMap recognizes that new learners cannot move from the general level to the specific level in one step. What is especial needed are examples and language that links the basic level to the specific level.

Below are listed the terms, according to their level of categorizing, that are used and defined throughout this web site. The purpose of these terms is help the learner, coach, consultant, or client better understand how to use values to effect meaningful change.  

LJMap General Level

LJMap Basic Level

'World-view' as a general concept is differentially re-defined according to LJMap's values measurement and mapping methodology as two different basic concepts: 'natural world-view' and 'developmental world-view'.

2) Natural World-view

3) Developmental World View

LJMap Specific Level

Natural World-view: Value Maps and Measurements- Individual

Natural World-view: Value Maps and Measurements- Group

 Developmental World-view: Value Maps and Measurements - Individual

Developmental World-view: Value Maps and Measurements - Group

 

Copyright 2005 by Scott Bristol