Book Review

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of life (2003) Rosenberg, M.B., California: Puddle Dancer Press

The December Issue gave an overview of Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) approach. This second edition of his book gives in-depth explanation and guidance on how to apply the method in a variety of settings. The focus is on Nonviolence in interpersonal interaction and highlights how we violate others in psychological as well as physical ways. His emphasis on how the subtleties of language usage can enrich and value, alienate and escalate is a significant and unique contribution to conflict resolution practice. He shows us how ownership of our emotions and responsibility for our needs can best be reflected in our ways of communicating and how we can stay in touch with our compassion in the midst of attack and provocation. He also demonstrates how even appreciation can be alienating when given in a form that implies we are sitting in judgement of the other - something that is more obvious when the content is critical. He offers a convincing life enriching alternative. He also offers an interesting chapter on the use of force, distinguishing between protective and punitive use. His chapter on anger, which he views as a mental picture, is both interesting an enlightening and highlights the way we confuse stimulus with cause in holding others (in error) responsible for our feelings. The book gives many examples of NVC in action together with exercises to practise the disciplines of NVC. A worthwhile addition to the conflict toolkit.

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