Definition of Communication

Communication is generally defined as the process of conveying information, ideas, feelings, or opinions between individuals or groups through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. It involves a sender, a message, a channel, and a receiver, with the aim of creating shared understanding.

Nature of Communication

The nature of communication can be understood through several key characteristics:

• Dynamic and Continuous: Communication is an ongoing process that is constantly changing and evolving. It does not have a distinct beginning or end but is a continuous flow.

• Two-Way Process: Effective communication involves both sending and receiving. It is a transactional process where participants simultaneously send and receive messages, influencing each other.

• Symbolic: Communication relies on symbols (words, gestures, images) to represent ideas and concepts. These symbols must be mutually understood by the sender and receiver.

• Goal-Oriented: Most communication occurs with a purpose, whether to inform, persuade, entertain, build relationships, or solve problems.

• Contextual: The meaning of a message is heavily influenced by the context in which it occurs. This includes the physical environment, cultural background, relationship between communicators, and previous interactions.

• Irreversible: Once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back. Its impact, whether intended or unintended, has occurred.

• Complex: Communication is not simple; it involves multiple layers of meaning, potential for misunderstanding, and the interplay of verbal and non-verbal cues.

Scope of Communication

The scope of communication is vast, encompassing various levels, contexts, and fields of study:

• Intrapersonal Communication: This is communication with oneself, including thoughts, self-talk, internal dialogues, and reflection.

• Interpersonal Communication: This involves direct, face-to-face (or mediated) interaction between two or more individuals, ranging from casual conversations to intimate exchanges.

• Group Communication: Occurs within a small group of people (e.g., family, team, committee) where members interact and influence each other towards a common goal.

• Public Communication: Involves a single sender delivering a message to a large audience, often in a formal setting (e.g., speeches, lectures, presentations).

• Mass Communication: The process of sending messages to large, anonymous, and diverse audiences through mass media channels (e.g., television, radio, newspapers, internet).

• Organizational Communication: Focuses on how communication functions within and between organizations, including internal (employee relations) and external (public relations) aspects.

• Intercultural Communication: Examines how culture influences communication and the challenges and strategies involved when people from different cultural backgrounds interact.

• Digital/Mediated Communication: Explores communication facilitated by technology, including social media, email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.

• Non-verbal Communication: The study of conveying messages through gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other non-linguistic cues.

• Health Communication: Focuses on the use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health.

• Political Communication: Deals with the role of communication in political processes, including campaigning, public opinion formation, and governance.