Definition

Communication is……

“a symbolic process in which people create

shared meanings.”
(From Lustig, Myron W., and Jolene Koester. Intercultural Competence. 2 . Ed.
nd

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
From these definitions, we can see
that
1. Communication is symbolic.
2. Communication is a process.
3. Communication involves shared meanings.
4. Communication aims at understanding of a
message.
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 is assumed by the receiver to be an accurate source.
Sender 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 Receiver is assumed to have a use for the information getting it
Receivers 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 Senders often are professionals who create entertainment for
Sender 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 often expect immediate gratifications, having paid
Receivers 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 is assumed to know the topic, often to be an expert.
Sender Gratification motivation is often economic (the sender is a
professional). Personal examples are parents, supervisors,
managers, usual authority figures.
Notes on Receiver is assumed to need the knowledge or know-how. May
Receivers 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 seeks gratification in the attitudes or behavior of another;
Sender must anticipate motivational strategies, be skilled in audience or
personal research.
Notes on Receiver may not be aware of being persuaded. Has many
Receivers 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 News reporters, broadcasters; might not be thinking how their

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