Communication is……

“a symbolic process in which people create shared meanings.”(From Lustig, Myron W., and Jolene Koester. Intercultural Competence. 2nd. Ed. New York: Harper-Collins, 1966. P.29)

Definition

Definition

Communication is………..the process by which a person, group, or organization (the sender) transmits some type of information (the message to another person, group, or organization (the receiver).

Definition

Communication is……

…..a process of interrelated elements working together to achieve a desired outcome or goal.

Definition

Communication is…the exchange of information between a sender and receiver and the inference of meaning between the individuals involved

Definition

1. Communication is symbolic.2. Communication is a process.3. Communication involves shared meanings.4. Communication aims at understanding of a

message.

From these definitions, we can see that

Basic Nature Specific facts, data, statements, figures, units of a larger knowledge structure.

Examples Reports of observations of phenomena; a weather report; computer data file; bank balance, indexes; home addresses; names; labels; phone numbers; email addresses; names, labels, phone numbers, radio and TV newscasts; newspaper wire reports

Notes on Sender

Sender is assumed by the receiver to be an accurate source. Sender may be an information “broker,” such as a newspaper, library, banks, telephone “hotline.” Reward can be mainly money; sender can be in the “information business

Notes on Receivers

Receiver is assumed to have a use for the information getting it will be gratifying, sometimes economically so. Successful receivers will know where to get information. Information can satisfy a surveillance need.

Basic Nature Any communication that is attention-arousing and immediately gratifying, mainly in a pleasurable way.

Examples Jokes; an absorbing motion picture where the story line is less important than audience enjoyment; escape reading; prime-time TV shows that are mainly arousal(“junk food TV”); computer games.

Notes on Sender

Senders often are professionals who create entertainment for payment. Interpersonal communication, entertainment may be used to “break the ice” or simply as a means of interpersonal enjoyment. In large-group communication, entertainment may be used to get initial attention.

Notes on Receivers

Receivers often expect immediate gratifications, having paid money for them. If a part of a serious communication, the receiver sometimes appreciates entertainment to less tension. Entertainment offers immediate pleasure and sometimes outright escape.

Basic Nature Messages that teach basic skills, understandings, and insights. Goes beyond facts to generations

Examples School lectures, textbooks, self-help books and articles; educational computer programs; school in general; parent and child interactions; or simply “learning from experience.” “Management” partly involves instruction.

Notes on Sender

Sender is assumed to know the topic, often to be an expert. Gratification motivation is often economic (the sender is a professional). Personal examples are parents, supervisors, managers, usual authority figures.

Notes on Receivers

Receiver is assumed to need the knowledge or know-how. May often purchase it. Sometimes is not gratified until a sense of understanding is gained. The receiver may hold the sender responsible for accuracy. With understanding comes gratification. This can include social or cultural understanding.

Basic Nature Messages aimed at influencing belief or behavior. May include many combinations of other communication functions. The key material of persuasion is an appeal to personal motives. But motives may differ widely between sender and receiver.

Examples Most advertising; important interpersonal communication; political speeches; sales pitches; arguments; debates; inspirational editorials or speeches.

Notes on Sender

Sender seeks gratification in the attitudes or behavior of another; must anticipate motivational strategies, be skilled in audience or personal research.

Notes on Receivers

Receiver may not be aware of being persuaded. Has many alternatives for reactions but may not use them. Gratifications will come only from satisfaction of this person’s own motives. Receivers may carry out the prescribed behavior and gratify the persuader but not feel gratified themselves.

Basic Nature Messages provide shared experience and knowledge; create a base for community

Examples Town newspapers; community radio; national media; mass media

Notes on Sender

News reporters, broadcasters; might not be thinking how their work creates a common identity among the audience. The importance of mass media in binding people into nationhood is clear in every revolution and coup d'état: the leaders try to take over national media systems right away.

Notes on Receivers

Reading a newspaper, and listening to the radio give the audience a common basis of information; thus contributing to social cohesion