Text and Subtext
(Groups 1 & 4 )

Groups 1 & 4: Text and Subtext Discussion

Below are a few communication acts. The text is the obvious part. The subtext is a little trickier. Read them over and discuss with a neighbor their subtext.

The E-mail

To: Aaron
From: Old Friend
Date: A Couple Years Ago
Subject: What's up

Aaron,

I've been having a blast down here in Florida. I'm about to finish my MA in Public Relations at [A Florida University]. I can't wait to get into the corporate world and make tons of money. I've been dating some great guys lately. Currently, I'm with this dentist, but I dated a couple engineers and lawyers over the past year. Things are good.

Well, I gotta run. Let me know what it's like up there in Louisville.

Take care,

Old Friend

Discussion Out Somewhere

Woman: So the guy I'm on the date with hits me on the side of the face with these tickets and laughs...he hit me in the face!

Man: Geez...even in Grand Theft Auto, when you assault your girlfriend, the date's over.

Offering Advice on the 'L'

The 'L' is Chicago's light rail/subway

Newbie Rider: Could you tell me how far the University of Chicago is from the stop?

Seasoned Rider: It's 4 blocks north...you need to take the bus.

Music Discussion

Two people listening to the radio...

Person #1: Wake me up / before you go go...I just love George Michael.

Person #2: It's actually Wham!

Click here to return to the October 24th page.

...