Communication

Communication is the systemic process of exchanging information between parties, usually via a common system of symbols. "Communications" is the academic discipline which studies communication.

The Latin root word of "communication" is comunicare, which has three possible meanings
1. "to make common", which is probably derived from either 2 or 3
2. cum + munus, i.e. having gifts to share in a mutual donation.
3. cum + munire, i.e. building together a defense, like the walls of a city

Forms and components of communication

Commonly recognized components of communication include the channel, context, environment, feedback, interference, message, receiver, and source.

The process of communication is what allows humans to share knowledge and experiences. Common forms of human communication include sign language, speaking, writing, gestures, and broadcasting. Communication can be interactive, transactive, intentional, or unintentional; it can also be verbal or nonverbal. In addition, communication can be intrapersonal or interpersonal.

Defining communication

There is no single definition of communication which satisfies everyone. In 1970, Frank Dance identified 126 published definitions. [1] To some people "communication" implies different, and sometimes conflicting, concepts. On the one hand, it means to have a thoughtful exchange of views, via a meaningful dialogue between two humans; however, it can also refer to a simple message transmitted without thought or appeals for feedback. With this latter definition, machines and "lower" animals can be said to communicate.

The ability to communicate effectively is known as communication competence.

Interpersonal

Main article: Interpersonal communication

The most basic forms of communication are primarily those which involve communicating with people immediately present, such as one-on-one and group conversations.

The expressive hand, a phenomenon exclusive to the primates (most especially humans) is perhaps the "original communication tool" which can convey caring, hatred, construction, destruction, aproval or condemnation. To the deaf among humans, it is their "way out"; to the blind, it is their way in. To the artist, it is their way through; to the writer, it is the way with.

Telecommunication

Main article: Telecommunication

Telecommunication is communication over spatial distances. The term is most often used in describing electronic media of communication, but can also include methods such as smoke signals and semaphore.

Animal

Main article: Animal communication

Humans are not the only creatures who communicate. Animals share information with each other in a variety of ways.

Communication technology

In more technical senses, see also telegraphy, telephone, computer network.

As regards human communication these diverse fields can be divided into those which cultivate a thoughtful exchange between a small number of people (debate, talk radio, e-mail, personal letters) on the one hand; and those which disseminate broadly a simple message (Public relations, television, cinema).

Our indebtedness to the Romans in the field of communication does not end with the root "communicare". They devised what might be described as the first real mail or postal system in order to control the empire from Rome by gathering knowledge about events in faroff places.

As the Romans well knew, communication is as much about taking in towards the centre as it is about putting out towards the extremes.

In virtual management an important issue is computer-mediated communication.

The view people take to communication is changing, as new technologies change the way they communicate and organize. This new trend in communication, decentralized personal networking, is termed smartmobbing.

References

[1] Dance, Frank. "The 'concept' of communication. Journal of Communication, 20, 201-210 (1970).