Text A. Imaginative Communication

Imaginative communication may be defined as the process through which invented situations are created and, in most cases, shared. Whenever people invent jokes or stories, speculate, daydream, or make believe, they are engaged in imaginative communication. People also engage in imaginative communication when they appreciate fictional messages found in books, magazines, newspapers, films, television dramas, plays, and conversations.

Imaginative communication plays a major role in the lives of all people. Preschool children watch television cartoons and "read" picture books. They appreciate stories read to them by older children and adults. They play "house," "store," and "school" and create imaginary castles and mountain roads in their sandboxes. In elementary school, children encounter an increasing number of imaginative messages as they learn to read and explore literature. Through writing activities children create their own literature. Using the works of others as models, students create poems, stories, plays, and cartoons as they express their individual creativity. Creative dramatics and role-playing enable students to recreate history or understand present events. In their free time elementary and middle school students continue to enjoy television cartoons and dramatic programming and may develop an interest in sports programming.

Secondary school students are introduced to important literary works and, in some schools, to quality films and media programs. In many high schools, however, students receive little encouragement to create imaginative messages of their own. Gifted students find a creative outlet in debating, drama, journalism, creative writing, and media activities. The vast majority of students, though, are merely exposed to the imaginings of others through literature. In their free time secondary school students enjoy televised sports, drama, and cartoons. Their interest in music and films usually grows dramatically during this period of their lives.

Adults are enthusiastic consumers of imaginative messages. It has been estimated that adults devote 40 percent of their free time to being entertained by television or computer. Unfortunately, too few adults read books for pleasure, attend plays and concerts, or search for quality programs on television. Even fewer adults seek to express their imaginations by creating original messages. Unhappily, as creators of formal imaginative messages, most people tend to reach a peak during their childhood.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14