Introduction to International Communication

Introduction
To
International Communication

Salman Akram Awan

Notes for: BS / Master’s Level
University of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan.

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Salman Akram Awan
Introduction to International Communication

Outlines

1) Introduction
2) Defining
3) Elements
4) Characteristics

1)

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Salman Akram Awan
Introduction to International Communication

Introduction
We live in an environment of communications. What we disperse? Is through communication,
what we receive? Is through communication. The question is what makes a communication as
“international”?

As time passes the world is moving more and more towards globalization. The rapid emergence
of globalization is resulting in substantial volumes of international communication.

Definition
International communication can be defined in several ways. The very simple definition can be
“study of global communication”. The word study refers that international communication is a
field of study and knowledge. The term global limits the communication if it is at international.
In another definition it is said that international communication focuses on the specialized
knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the international community. In
the definition the term specialized refers to a development process, mostly designed for
intentional focuses at international level. Knowledge and skills are the terms used as a set,
created specifically for a communication which is not local or at national level. After defining in
depth, again we can say simply that International communication is The communication across
the borders.

Examples
An example of media are newspapers, television, radio, printed matter, Internet information
and advertising.

Elements
International communications take place same as on the communication model i.e. Sender,
message, channel, and receiver. It doesn’t have different model of elements. But the thing which
differentiates from simple model of communication is its characteristic of beyond boundaries.
Measuring on communication model it can be said that in international communication among
the four elements of communication model i.e. Sender, message, channel, and receiver, one or
two or three or four elements are focused at international level.

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Salman Akram Awan
Introduction to International Communication

Characteristics
Transnational:

The communication transits from country to country.

Knowledge

The information contained by the subject is targeted globally directly or indirectly.

Intentionality

The intentional International communication is that which is planned and the targeted for the
audience across the borders.

The unintentional International communication is that which is unplanned and not specifically
targeted for the global audience but reaches directly or indirectly

Cultural

Dominant countries impose cultural values on other countries

Conclusions

 Communication between people of different cultures, subcultures, or subgroup

identifications
 Process in which people from different cultures create shared meaning
 Interpersonal communication between people of different countries.

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Salman Akram Awan