Terministic+Screen

=**Terministic Screen **=

Definition:
Kenneth Burke developed the concept of the terministic screen, or the idea that symbols or terminology can direct a person’s attention to one field over another. Specifically, Burke explains that a great deal of what people consider reality has been developed through the use of symbols as opposed to first-hand experience. People develop most of their understanding of history, societies, nationality, and even geography through reading and interpreting symbols. Therefore, terminology creates a screen through which we view the world and perceive our reality (49). Burke argues that everyone uses terministic screens, “since we can’t say anything without the use of terms; whatever terms we use, they necessarily constitute a corresponding kind of screen; and any such screen necessarily directs the attention to one field rather than another” (50). Burke continues to describe two kinds of terms, those that the audience can identify with and those that the audience disassociates from. Therefore, terms either produce continuity or discontinuity (50).

Example of use:
Blakeslee uses the situated learning theory in, “Activity, Context, Interaction, and Authority: Learning to Write Scientific Papers in Situ” to offer insights into how people learn to write and to reveal issues with a mentor/apprenticeship learning strategy. Blakeslee suggests that the process of situated learning (mentor/apprenticeship) needs improvement as demonstrated by the difficulties experienced by a Physics graduate student learning to write a journal article from his mentor. Blakeslee suggests that the student’s difficulties in composing stem from issues such as a lack of direction or concrete guidance in writing, a vague composition learning strategy, and authority. Blakeslee uses the situated learning theory as a lens, or terministic screen, to view and perceive a specific reality. She designs solutions and conclusions based on this screen. In contrast, a Physicist using a different terministic screen, may conclude that the student’s difficulties arose due to an incomplete understanding of his research topic and a novice ability to contextualize that research, as opposed to poor writing instruction. Both lenses offer insight into the same issue but result in different conclusions and perceptions of reality.

Related Terms:
Symbolic action

Sources:
Blakeslee, Ann M. “Activity, Context, Interaction, and Authority: Learning to Write Scientific Papers In Situ.” Journal of Business and Technical Communication 11.2 (1997): 125-169. Print.

Burke, Kenneth. “Terministic Screens.” //Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method//. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1968. 44-50. Print.