and norms that allow humans to make utterances and sounds in a way that others can understand,
Functions of Language
It can simply give information by description, by a statement of facts or by recorded data as
accurately as words will allow. This is called the referentialfunction of language.
2. It can move or sway the emotions, attitudes and feelings. This referred to as the emotive
function of language.
3. It can attempt to influenceactions and decisions.
Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person
to another.
root of the word “communication” in Latin is communicare, which means to share, or to make common.
Communication is a Process: Communication involves dynamic activities that are hard to describe because they constantly change. It emphasizes the interaction between participants and the process of understanding and sharing perspectives effectively.
2. Understanding: To understand is to perceive, interpret, and relate one's perception and interpretation to what is already known. Understanding words, concepts, and objects referred to in communication is crucial.
3. Sharing: Sharing in communication occurs when thoughts, feelings, ideas, or insights are conveyed to others. This can happen through interpersonal communication with others or intrapersonal communication with oneself.
4. Meaning: Communication involves sharing meaning. Understanding the shared meaning of words and concepts is essential for effective communication. Context and asking questions help uncover shared meanings and understand messages better
Eight Essential Components of Communication
Source
Message
Channel
Receiver
Feedback
Environment
Context
Interference
Source
The creator and sender of the message
Steps in the communication process for the source
1. Determining the message
2. Encoding it
3. Presenting it to the audience
4. Perceiving audience reaction for further clarification or support
Message
The stimulus or meaning produced by the source for the receiver
Channel
The medium through which the message travels between the source and receiver
Channels
Verbal and non-verbal methods such as face-to-face conversations, speeches, telephone calls, written documents, emails, etc.
Receiver
The person who receives the message from the source and interprets it, sometimes in unintended ways
Feedback
The response from the receiver to the source, indicating how well the message was received
Feedback allows clarification, agreement, disagreement, or suggestions for improvement
Environment
The physical and psychological atmosphere where communication occurs
Context
The setting, scene, and expectations of individuals involved in communication
Context influences language, behavior, and interaction styles
Interference
Anything that blocks or changes the intended meaning of the message
Types of interference
External - (e.g., car horns, distractions)
Internal - (e.g., psychological distractions)
Interference affects encoding and decoding of messages and can disrupt the communication process
TransactionalModelofCommunication:
Communication is viewed as a dynamic and simultaneous process where both the source and receiver may send messages at the same time.
The distinction between source and receiver is blurred, and participants often play both roles simultaneously, especially in conversational turn-taking.
2. ConstructivistModelofCommunication:
Communication is seen as the construction of meaning through negotiation and shared interpretation.
Individuals construct their own interpretations of messages, leading to potential misunderstandings.
The focus is on negotiated meaning or common ground between communicators.
Types of Communication
Intrapersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Intrapersonal Communication
This takes place within a single person, often for the purpose of clarifying ideas or analyzing a situation. Sometimes, intrapersonal communication is undertaken in order to reflect upon or appreciate something. This range from simple thinking, meditating and reflecting to oneself or writing a memo.
Interpersonal Communication
This is a transactional process of exchanging messages and negotiating meaning to convey information and to establish maintained relationship. This level of communication is enhanced when the relationship exists over a long period of time.
Dyadic Communication
A fundamental unit of communication characterized by a face to face speaking situation where two people exchange ideas on a topic interesting to both or simply converse because they enjoy each other's company
Small-Group Communication
A collaborative and systematic sharing of ideas and information among three to eight persons in order to reach a consensus or a common solution to a problem, or to obtain facts
PublicCommunication
A speaker addressing a considerably large audience, requiring thorough preparation on the part of the speaker, involving a large group with a primarily one-way monologue style generating only minimal feedback
Mass Communication
A form of communication done through either printed or oral medium, utilizing the airwaves if oral, where the message reaches a very large audience instantaneously and simultaneously through electronic media
Verbalcommunication uses either written or spoken language. Non-verbal communication makes use
of non-linguistics symbols such as touch, sign language, facial expression, body language, tone
of voice, clothing and artifacts.
Ethical communication is fundamental to thoughtful decision-making and responsible
thinking. It is about developing and nurturing relationships and building communities within and
across contexts, cultures, channels and media. Ethical communication is also accepting
responsibility for the messages you convey to others and the short-term or long-term
consequences of your communication.
Courtesy
Also known as politeness
Ways to demonstrate courtesy
Using politeness words and tones to show respect to the receiver of the message
Applying tact and diplomacy
Developing the "We" attitude using positive words instead of negative
Being considerate of the feeling of the receiver
Selecting gender-free terms
Responding promptly to important messages
Clarity
Involves correct word usage, grammar, pronunciation, sentence construction and delivery
Conciseness
Saying what needs to be said in as few words as possible. Avoid flowery words.
Concreteness
Being specific, providing examples when necessary to make a message more comprehensible
Completeness
To avoid ambiguity, message should not leave out important details that receiver expects to know