CJM209:

COMMUNICATION
AND CULTURE
WELCOME TO LECTURE
ONE: DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Communication
• Culture
• Values and norms
 Communication

Communication is the exchange of information or ideas via speech, writing, or another medium.
Effective communication involves the transmission of a message that is received and interpreted in the
manner intended by the sender.
This process can involve verbal and nonverbal cues and can occur between individuals, groups, and
organisations.

•There are numerous forms of communication, such as:

•Verbal communication, which involves the use of spoken language, entails the use of spoken language.
•Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice are examples of nonverbal communication.
•Written communication is the use of written language, such as in emails, texts, and letters.
•Visual communication is the transmission of information through the use of images and other visual
aids.
 Communication models

• The linear model of communication, also known as the "transmission model" or "action
model," describes communication as a one-way process in which a sender transmits a message
to a receiver.
• In this model, the sender encodes a message, which is then sent through a channel and
received by the receiver, who decodes the message.
• This model is often described as "linear" because it implies a straight line of communication
between the sender and receiver, with no feedback or interaction between them.
Linear model of communication

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 Transactional model

• The transactional model of communication describes communication as a dynamic, ongoing

process that is influenced by the context and the participants involved.
• In this model, both the sender and receiver are actively involved in the communication process
and can simultaneously send and receive messages.
• The relationship between the sender and receiver is not one-directional, but rather a continuous
exchange of messages.
• This model emphasizes that communication is not just about the transmission of information, but
also about how the message is interpreted and how the relationship between the participants
evolves.
Transactional model

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 Communication models

•Although models of the communication process differ, they all contain some common
elements, such as:
• participants,
•messages,
•encoding,
• decoding,
• and channels
 Communication and culture

•Communication and culture are closely interrelated.

•Culture shapes the way that people communicate, and communication helps to
transmit and reinforce cultural norms and values.
Culture influences communication in several ways. For example, it determines the
types of nonverbal cues that are appropriate or inappropriate in different contexts,
such as the distance people stand from one another when talking or the types of
physical touch that are acceptable.
Culture also affects the way that people interpret verbal messages and can
influence the use of figurative language, idioms, and sarcasm.
 Communication and culture

•Communication, in turn, helps transmit cultural norms and values.

• Parents use communication to teach their children the customs and beliefs of
their culture.
• Religious and political leaders use communication to promote the values and
ideologies of their groups.
• the media plays an important role in shaping public opinion and can influence
cultural norms and values through the messages they convey.
•communication is not only verbal but also nonverbal, such as gestures and
facial expressions, so culture influences them as well.
 Communication and culture

•In a culture, norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern social behaviour.
•Customs and practises dictate how people should behave, speak, and interact with one another
in various settings and situations.
•Culture-to-culture, norms can be both explicit and implicit.
•In some cultures, it is considered rude to be too direct or straightforward in conversation,
whereas in others, directness is valued.
 Culture, values, and social norms

•Culture, values, and social norms are closely intertwined and can all influence one another.
Culture shapes a group's values and norms, and those values and norms can shape the culture
itself. In a culture that values individualism, for instance, it may be the norm to prioritise
personal goals and desires, whereas in a culture that values collectivism, it may be the norm to
place the needs of the group above those of the individual.
conclusion,
Culture is a shared way of life,
values are guiding principles and beliefs,
and norms are the expected customs and behaviours
of a culture's members.

Together, they constitute a society's social fabric.