Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. David Givens

Second Advisor

Dr. Lazarina Topuzova

Abstract

This study explored (a) how Lummi tribal members are accessing and utilizing electronic media, (b) how interpersonal relationships have changed as a result of computer mediated communication (CMC) and (c) what the perception of communication and society is on the Lummi Reservation. The literature review investigated the theoretical views about how language shapes ideas and how storytelling could be used to promote health and wellness from the perspective of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and the theory of reasoned action. Ten semi-structured community-member interviews took place. The data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Informants preferred text messaging and Facebook as timesaving mediums, but acknowledged that face-to-face communication was the most culturally appropriate method of communication. Informants also acknowledged that too much computer-mediated communication could lead to isolation from the community.

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