Esslinger, Donald L. (author), McCorkle, Constance M. (author), and Esslinger: Professor of Extension Education and Assistant Agricultural Editor, University of Missouri, Columbia; McCorkle: Research Assistant Professor, Department of Rural Sociology, University of Missouri, Columbia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 73 Document Number: C03499
6 pages., via online journal., Cross-cultural communication is dealt with and more specifically, the communicative competence of 15 white English-speaking farmers when they speak Xhosa to their labourers is assessed. This research was conducted in the Elliot, Ugie, and Maclear areas of the north-eastern Cape. A broad sociolinguistic framework drawing on both ethnographic and ethnomethodological principles was used; complications caused by cross-cultural differences which are reflected in language, and which may lead to possible communication breakdown, were isolated. The actual analysis of speech in terms of ethnomethodological principles, such as turn-taking and the co-operative principle, was undertaken.
19 pages, via online journal, Dairy farms pose many hazards to farmers and their employees, including the risk of injury caused by handling animals. On many farms, there is a lack of consistent information and training related to farm safety topics, including stockmanship, or safe animal handling. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore effective communication strategies that support the application of stockmanship practices and more broadly support health and safety measures and the adoption of new behaviors by farmers and their employees. Research was conducted in three stages via in-depth farm tours and in-person interviews, a qualitative survey, and follow-up phone interviews with dairy farmers. Findings identified four values and moral norms important to dairy farmers and four barriers to implementation of farm safety practices. The research also revealed publications and in-person meetings as key channels of communication and on-farm consultants as important influencers. From the research findings, three major recommendations emerged. These include using a train the trainer educational model, engaging with professionals and encouraging farmer-to-farmer communication, and leveraging digital resources.
