2025 Volume 22 Pages 100-116
This study examines the investigative perspectives, data collection techniques, and analytical methods necessary for exploring communicative acts within the framework of Taigu-Communication. By focusing on "consciousness," the research reviews prior studies to derive insights and identify challenges in rethinking investigative approaches. Building on these findings, the study proposes a novel perspective and methodology, which are then applied in a case study of business email communication. The case study findings are utilized to refine and further consider investigative methodologies for Taigu-Communication. The study identifies three primary methods for capturing "consciousness": (1) deeply examining participants' internal "premises" within specific communicative contexts, (2) investigating "consciousness" as it unfolds during interactions where participants make decisions, and (3) analyzing "consciousness" through multiple lenses, including the "links" between recognition and expression. Applying these methods, the case study of business email communication revealed participants' "premises" associated with email interactions through their narratives. The analysis highlighted (1) events that triggered reflection on communicative acts and (2) variations among participants in the "links" between recognition and expression. The discussion critiques prior research for assuming communicators' intentions were comprised of predetermined and fixed premises. It advocates for an expanded perspective that moves beyond focusing solely on "intentions" or "Taigu consciousness" to incorporate "premises" as part of a dynamic and evolving consciousness. This approach enables a deeper investigation into "consciousness" as a process, encompassing how communicators make judgments and decisions during interactions. Ultimately, this methodology offers one approach to investigating communicative acts, emphasizing the importance of participant recognition within the framework of Taigu-Communication.
