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Chapter 2 Communication Corrected
Chapter 2 Communication Corrected
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
FOLUKE FATIMAYIN, PhD
School of Education,
National Open University of Nigeria,
Lagos
folukefatimehin@yahoo.com
+234-8033773268,
+234-8059341152
Introduction
Many scholars have tried to give a definitive meaning to communication. In the view of
the Association of Periopoerative Practice, communication originated from the Latin word
communis. Lunenberg (2010) agrees with them that communication has its root in Latin
from the word communis. However, he asserts that it means ‘common’, which suggests
that there must be a common understanding of the message between the source and the
receiver concerning the message being communicated.
The general view of communication is that it is an interaction within a social context.
Communication usually involves a sender (source) and a receiver. It involves the
interlocutors exchanging signals. These signals could be verbal or graphic, it could be
gestural or visual (photographic). In essence, communication involves using codes that are
done with the eyes, body movement or sounds made with the voice. Whichever way it is
done, there is always a process in which someone initiates a meaning intent that is passed
to the interlocutor (receiver). Daniel (2016) asserts that it is when feedback, which
involves the receiver responding to the signal by initiating another circle of meaning
exchange, has been sent to the sender (source) that the communication process has gone
full circle and become complete.
Giffin & Patten (1976) also state that communication is the process of creating meaning as
well as ascribing it. It is the exchange of ideas and interaction among group members. The
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English (2004) defines communication
as the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information.
One can safely say that communication is the act of transferring information and messages
from one place to another and from one person to another. In a related manner, the Online
Business Dictionary describes communication as a two way process. It involves
participants reaching a mutual understanding beyond merely encoding and decoding
information, news, ideas and feelings. It is important that they also create and share the
meaning content in the messages passed (see Daniel, 2013). In addition to this,
communication is also seen as a means of connecting people or places. It is also regarded
as an important key function of management because an organization cannot operate
without communication between levels, departments and employees (Online Business
Dictionary, 2010; Okenimpkpe, 2010).
Again, communication can be defined as a field of study concerned with the transmission
of information and broadcasting. It can involve any of the various professions, which have
to do with the transmission of information such as advertising, public relations,
broadcasting and journalism. The foregoing shows that communication is something
human beings do every day in different ways and through different means. That is, the
modern man communicates through different methods like speaking, using telephones,
blogging, television, art, hand and body gestures and facial expressions. This can happen
in closed intimate settings or over long distances. An example is the internet. The acts of
communication draw on a number of inter and intra-personal skills like observing,
speaking, questioning, analyzing and assimilating. It enables collaboration and
cooperation.
Above all, language is the basic level of communication between one human being and
another. It is the means by which we pass on our ideas, feelings, knowledge and requests.
Awoniyi (1982) affirms that without communication there would be chaos. He adds that
human existence and civilization as we know today would disappear without
communication. He further claims that there are at least five important elements of the
communicative process. This is shown in Table 2.1 below.
Table 2.1: Elements of communication
Categories of Communication
Related to the above are various categories of communication. Of these categories, more
than one may occur at a given time. For example, if you are with a group of close friends
having a general conversation, you can at the same time be carrying on another tacit, non-
verbal or sign communication with someone of your choice, which others in the group
may not be aware of. Whatever the category or channel of communication, understanding
is the desired outcome or goal of any communication act. Senders and receivers are very
important in the communication process. There are many ways by which communication
can take place as well as many skills one can employ in the process of communication.
Another example is that a parent can communicate displeasure to a child over their
behaviour in the midst of people by sign language without breaking the flow of
conversation and without others being aware. These signs include frowning, clearing of
the throat or stepping on the child’s toes. This is very common among Nigerians as it is
said that a well trained child does not mis-interpret the sign language from the parent(s).
Of course, sign language here should not be confused with that used by those unable to
use vocal symbols to communicate; it usually means body language.
In addition to time tested traditional ones, another known medium of communication is
the internet, which has led to an explosion of information and communication possibilities.
It is noteworthy that whatever the category, level or channel, the communication process
must be complete as shown in Fig 2.1 below.
Fig.2.1 Communication process, verbal and non-verbal communications.
Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Fig 2.1 above shows that one can safely conclude that communication is carried out, to
not only pass on information but ultimately to get a feedback. Feedback is very important
in the communication process as it distinguishes communication form from information.
When there is feedback, the communication process is complete, making it meaningful
(cf. Daniel, 2016).
Oluwanisola (n.d.) states that it is the end result of an idea and makes communication
continuous. He further asserts that on decoding, after the dissemination of message, the
decoder is expected to give a response, whether verbal or non-verbal. This is because
feedback enables one to evaluate the effectiveness of the message sent. For example,
teaching is a form of communication and getting feedback in a classroom situation is
important for maintaining rapport, clarifying grey areas, knowing students weak/strong
points and ascertaining if the lesson is understood. Oluwanisola argues that feedback
could be instantaneous as in the case of verbal conversation, it could be relayed in formal
communication via letters and memo. It can also be in written or oral form or even both at
once. It could be in form of body language, gesture or paralanguage. He itemizes seven
points to show the importance of feedback in communication (in either formal or informal
setting). These are:
Fig2.2b-----www.normans.com
Fig.2.2c----African drums-www.africaimports.com
(2). Log drums are made by cutting slits in a hollow piece of wood. A certain type of
African log drum used for communication is called a “slit gong”. It is also sometimes
referred to as “message drum”. The question then is: How is this drum constructed.
Essentially, it is constructed by making hollows in a large log through a slit. Through
this, an all-wood instrument is created. This is used to produce two different pitches, one
from each side of the slit. These pitches, which are high and low sounds, can generally
be heard over significant distances. These combinations of the high and low sounds can
then be used to transmit messages. The larger the log, the louder the sound it makes, in
the same vein, the further it can be heard. Fig 2.3 shows what a log drum looks like.
Fig 2.4b:ghanaorigin.com
(4). The Djembe is a large drum with a single skin head stretched over a wooden body
and fastened with ropes. It is believed to have originated from Mali. The drummer plays
the drum, positioned between their legs. Djembe drums are used for communication and
as an accompaniment to dancers or as part of community gatherings, celebrations and
rituals (ehow.com/print/info). Samples of the Djembe are shown in figs 2.5a and 2.5b
below.
Fig. 2,5a
Fig. 2.5b: www.threeworlds.com.au
In Africa, people have used drum telegraphy to communicate with one another for
centuries. Davis (2011) affirms that an African message can be transmitted at the speed of
one hundred miles an hour.
In addition to the above channels and in a very unique manner, Nigerian names
communicate a lot about the bearer or the circumstances of such a person’s birth. African,
and especially Nigerian names, have meaning and children are given names, not only
because it is expected but because there are meanings, wishes, messages attached to them.
Some names are prayers and supplications; some are given to show the kind of lineage the
bearer belongs to, while others indicate the family occupation.
Ajileye (2002) disputing the claims of scholars such as Lyons (1968), Palmer (1976),
Kempson (1977), who all claimed that names are mere labels with no connotations, asserts
that Yoruba names communicate fact about the natural attributes and character of the
bearer. He concludes by insisting that Yoruba names play a significant role in the society.
They have communicative significance about virtue (Iwalewa), religious beliefs
(Olufunmilayo), reincarnation and ancestors (Babatunde, Iyabo), family occupation
(Ayanwale, Agbede), royal lineage (Adenike, Adeoti), and so on. This is also evident
among the Igbos. For example, Chukwudi means “God exists”, Nkechinyere means
“God’s gift” and Chibuike means “God is my strength” while Ndidi means “Patience.”
Ajileye went on to assert that names connote meaning even outside Nigeria. The Hebrew
names Naomi means “sweetness” while Ruth means “companion or friend.” Names
therefore communicate a lot about the bearer.
Communication in the Digital Age
The information and communication technologies have grown tremendously in recent
decades; and they continue to evolve. This revolution has made information readily
available and transferable from one medium to various others. These days, almost
everything is carried out by means of electronic channels. In the digital age, we have the
internet through which communication is fast and sure, such as through email, Skype,
Twitter, Facebook, Badoo, Twoo, Google+, Yahoo, Blogs, chat rooms, and lots more.
The proliferation of mobile phones and smart phones has also made communication
easier, whereby one can use them to speak with people in very distant places, either
through telephone calls or text messages. Craig (2000) posits that technological changes
are reshuffling the levels and functions of communication. Technology has turned the
world into a global village, making communication easier, faster and possible through
many different channels. It is worthy of note that whatever channel one chooses, the four
language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are vital and come into use at
one point or another in the process of communication.
The Essence of Communication
Being able to communicate well is the most important of all skills. Every communication
process produces one sort of consequence or the other, whether it is intended consequence
or not. However, it becomes effective when it achieves the purpose it is intended for. To
Daniel (2016), effective communication is the one that lacks any kind of noise in the
communication process. It is effective because the communication process results in what
the communicator wants or intended. It generates the desired effect, serving the purpose
for which it was planned. Some of the purposes may include informing some audience or
moving them to act in a particular way, such as making consumers to buy a company’s
products; it may also be to make clear issues of confusion or make clear a position taken,
as seen in the letter of President Obasanjo to President Buhari in his most recent missive to
his current successor in office.
Communication is the key factor in the success of any relationship and, for this reason,
these elements are important for effective communication. They will help guard against
the communication process being distorted. Some of these include the choice and medium
of communication, clarity of message and choice of words, correctness in rules and
conventions of spelling, and social and cultural appropriateness. Above all, in the opinion
of Westin (2012), since we do not have direct access to other people’s thoughts and
opinions, we must rely on communication to convey messages to us. Such communication
has to be effective and easily understood by all concerned, especially, the participants in
the communication event and process.
Some Impediments to Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential but some factors can hinder it. Effective
communication requires that a number of simple conditions are met. First, Flamand (n.d.)
asserts that speakers should express themselves accurately, clearly and correctly; listen
carefully to one another and decode message correctly. According to Breshears (n.d.),
possible barriers to communication include physical barriers, psychological barriers,
cultural barriers and language barriers. Saxena (2008) lists five impediments to
communicating effectively as unfamiliar language, relationships, bad timing, attitude and
differences such as age, gender, intelligence, and race. There are many more other
impediments as stated by various authors (see Daniel, 2016 for some others).
Nevertheless, the bottom line is to guard against all impediments in order to ensure
effective communication. Once there is any sort of impediment, the communication can no
longer be effective.
Conclusion
There are a plethora of languages used in the world. Even within the same language,
people have different conceptions of the same word. Of all types of communication,
verbal communication allows for the most immediate feedback and clarification of words.
However, no matter the mode, type, channel and style of communication, the important
thing is for a message to be sent through an acceptable channel and for it to be decoded
and understood correctly. It is only after the sender’s intended meaning has been correctly
decoded by the receiver and the expected kind of feedback given that one can boldly say
that the communication process has been effective
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Acknowledgement
This is to acknowledge the additional extensive input made by Daniel, I.O.A.Ph.D. to sections
of this chapter