SIX MAJOR BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION

1. Cliché:

This is a cultural expression that has become overused to the point where its original meaning
has been lost Cliché is an overused expression which is used so commonly that no longer has
definition or is spotted in a discussion. Cliché is also regarded as poor writing and speaking.
They make it appear as if you didn't put much thought into your words. “Clichés are

sometimes a symptom of lazy communication—the person using the cliché hasn’t bothered to

search for original words to convey the intended meaning” (McLean, 2010, pg 58).

An example of Cliché is “She fell head over heels.” Another characteristic shared by clichés is
their tendency to simplify and dramatize. Instead of admitting that a story may not always be
happy. These clichés, such as explaining that serious love requires time to grow, make the
writing show up narcissistic and thus uninteresting.

2. Jargon:

Jargon is a technical language which is only comprehended among those who belong to a
specific group or organization. Those who work in a specific organization They, like the legal
profession, have methods of. That is considered jargon, and this term is only understood by
lawyers. Also, Military personnel speak in jargon that only they understand.

An example of Jargon I have recently watched a TV show called “Shark Tank” and I know the
words "Due diligence" which is a business term referring to the data analysis which should be
completed before making a major business move. It helps me show a deep-understanding about
business when I talked to my colleagues.

3. Slang:

“This special form of language, which in some ways resembles jargon, is slang. Slang is the use

of existing or newly invented words to take the place of standard or traditional words with the

intent of adding an unconventional, nonstandard, humorous, or rebellious effect” (McLean, 2010,

pg 60). It was exciting to live in a dorm in high school. We will never go a day without using
these slangs to communicate with one another. Especially when there is a stranger or a teacher
among us. Slang is a type of communication that people invent, and with its constant use, it will
become popular and easy to learn for others.

An example of slang: In a business setting ASAP is normally used as, “as

soon as possible.”

4. Sexist and Racist Language:

This is considered offensive language. “Using such language may violate company policies and,
in some cases, antidiscrimination laws” (McLean, 2010, p. 60). A woman, for example, cannot
be referred to as a girl. Back in high school, there was this particular young student who acted,
talked, and walked like a lady to the point where we unknowingly referred to him as a girl. When
we want to talk about him, we end up using "she/her" instead of "him/he." We do it for quite
some time accidentally.

5. Euphemism:

“The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions that replace harsh and impolite words
and phrases, or that suggest something unpleasant” (Literary Devices, nd). This engages an
idiomatic expression that has lost its meaning and is now referring to something else.

An example is “She has resigned her commission.” (She has been sacked.)

6. Doublespeak:

When other words are used to replace the original, true words, this is referred to as doublespeak.
Doublespeak is the total opposite of straightforward truth. It twists words and phrases in order to
conceal the truth.

Example: “Creative accounting” means accounting methods used by unethical businesses to

defraud the tax department, shareholders, employees, and so on.

References:

McLean, S. (2010). Business Communication for Success. Retrieved from

https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/641076/mod_page/content/15/ENGL1103TextbookBusC
omForSuccess.pdf