The Range of Communication Definitions
Communication is defined in various ways, from broad interpretations that include any form of signal exchange between organisms, to narrow ones that focus on intentional, symbolic interactions among humans. Broad definitions may encompass the communication behaviors of animals and even plants, while narrower definitions might limit communication to the purposeful exchange of messages that convey meaning. Some scholars argue that for an act to be considered communication, it must be intentional, thereby excluding unintentional signals.Conceptual Models of Communication
Models of communication are theoretical frameworks that represent the communication process in a simplified manner. These models, often depicted through diagrams, help researchers and practitioners understand and analyze communication. While they may not capture every nuance of the process, they provide valuable starting points for study and application. Models vary in their scope, with some designed to address communication in general and others tailored to specific contexts, such as mass communication.Categories of Communication Models
Communication models are typically categorized into linear, interaction, and transaction types. Linear models, exemplified by Lasswell's model and the Shannon-Weaver model, describe communication as a one-directional flow of information from a sender to a receiver. Interaction models, such as Schramm's model, incorporate feedback, recognizing the two-way nature of communication processes like dialogue. Transaction models, including Barnlund's model, recognize that communicators can simultaneously send and receive messages, highlighting the dynamic creation of meaning within the communication process.The Development of Communication Models
The earliest communication models were linear, with Lasswell's model identifying key components of the communication act. The Shannon-Weaver model further elaborated on this by explaining how messages are encoded, transmitted, potentially interfered with by noise, and then decoded by the receiver. Interaction models introduced the concept of feedback and emphasized the importance of shared experience for effective communication. Transactional models, such as Barnlund's, conceptualize communication as an interactive process where meaning is constructed through the exchange of cues and responses.The Diversity of Human Communication
Human communication manifests in both verbal and non-verbal forms. Verbal communication involves the use of language, whether spoken, written, or signed, and is distinguished by its capacity to convey complex and abstract concepts. Non-verbal communication includes a wide array of behaviors such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language. The field of anthroposemiotics studies these diverse forms of human communication, examining the various channels and mediums through which they occur.
