The Fundamentals of Communication
Concept Map
Exploring the origins and fundamentals of communication, this overview delves into the Latin root 'communicare' and the process of information exchange. It discusses the complexity of defining communication, the development of conceptual models, and the diversity of human communication, including verbal and non-verbal forms. The text examines linear, interaction, and transaction models, and the role of feedback and shared experience in effective communication.
Summary
Outline
The Origins and Fundamentals of Communication
Communication originates from the Latin "communicare," which translates to share or to make common. It is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals or entities. In this process, a sender transmits a message to a receiver via various channels, which can include spoken language, written text, nonverbal cues, and electronic media. Communication can occur between two people, within groups, or even between nations, and it encompasses both the act of transmitting messages and the discipline that studies these interactions.The Challenge of Defining Communication
The definition of communication is complex and varies across different contexts, making it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. The difficulty lies in creating a definition broad enough to cover various forms of communication yet specific enough to be analytically useful. This debate shapes the way researchers approach the study of communication, influencing the methods they use to observe, hypothesize, and theorize about communicative behaviors and their effects.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.
Show More
Origins of Communication
Definition of Communication
Communication is the process of exchanging information between individuals or entities
Range of Communication Definitions
Broad Definitions
Broad definitions of communication include any form of signal exchange between organisms
Narrow Definitions
Narrow definitions of communication focus on intentional, symbolic interactions among humans
Conceptual Models of Communication
Models of communication are theoretical frameworks that represent the communication process in a simplified manner
Categories of Communication Models
Linear Models
Linear models describe communication as a one-directional flow of information from a sender to a receiver
Interaction Models
Interaction models incorporate feedback and recognize the two-way nature of communication processes
Transaction Models
Transaction models recognize that communicators can simultaneously send and receive messages, highlighting the dynamic creation of meaning within the communication process
Development of Communication Models
Early Models
The earliest communication models were linear, with key components identified by Lasswell's model
Linear Models
The Shannon-Weaver model explains how messages are encoded, transmitted, potentially interfered with by noise, and then decoded by the receiver
Interaction Models
Interaction models introduced the concept of feedback and emphasized the importance of shared experience for effective communication
Transactional Models
Transactional models conceptualize communication as an interactive process where meaning is constructed through the exchange of cues and responses
Diversity of Human Communication
Verbal Communication
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
Non-verbal communication includes a wide array of behaviors such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language
Anthroposemiotics
Anthroposemiotics studies the diverse forms of human communication, examining the various channels and mediums through which they occur
The Fundamentals of Communication
Learn with Algor Education flashcards
Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
Communication Process Elements
Sender, message, receiver, channels.
01
Channels of Communication
Spoken language, written text, nonverbal cues, electronic media.
02
Communication Scale
Interpersonal, group, international.
