Mass Media and Communication Unit 1: Communication

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, evolution, elements, processes, functions, and forms of communication as outlined in the Unit 1 lecture notes.

Communication

The process of sharing information, ideas, or feelings between two or more people, involving a sender, message, medium, and receiver.

Keith Davis's Definition of Communication

Defined as the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another, emphasizing transfer, understanding, and a two-way nature.

John Adair's Definition of Communication

The process by which information is transmitted and understood between two or more people, essential for leadership and teamwork.

Louis Allen's Definition of Communication

The sum of all things one person does when he wants to create understanding in the mind of another, involving words, gestures, tone, and actions.

Petroglyphs

Ancient rock carvings made by early humans by scratching or chipping designs onto stone surfaces to share stories, record events, or express beliefs.

The Chauvet Cave paintings

A French cave site dating back approximately $30,000$ years that showcases an early form of visual storytelling through depictions of animals and hunting scenes.

Pictograms

Simple pictures or symbols used to represent objects, ideas, or information that communicate meaning without using words.

Sumerian pictographs

An early form of pictograms from circa $3000$ BCE used to record commodities and trade information.

Ideograms

Symbols or pictures that represent an idea or concept rather than a specific word or sound, such as emojis or the peace symbol.

Chinese characters

A prime example of ideograms where each character conveys a concept or idea, facilitating a sophisticated writing system.

Writing

The process of expressing ideas, thoughts, or information in words to provide a permanent record for future use.

Cuneiform script

One of the earliest forms of writing developed by the Sumerians around $3500$ BCE, used for accounting, trade, and literary works like the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Audio-visual (AV)

Communication that combines sound (audio) and images (visuals) to make information more engaging, such as television, films, and videos.

Digital Communication

The exchange of information using electronic devices and the internet, based on technology that uses binary data ($0$s and $1$s).

The Internet

A global network connecting millions of computers and devices, allowing fast, convenient, and cost-effective instant communication across the world.

Sender

The person or group who starts the communication by creating the message.

Message

The specific information, idea, or feeling that the sender wants to share.

Medium

The channel or method used to send the message, such as spoken words, written text, or digital platforms.

Receiver

The person or group who gets the message and interprets it.

Feedback

The response given by the receiver that helps the sender know if the message was understood.

Encoding

The process where the sender converts their thoughts into a message using words, symbols, or nonverbal cues.

Decoding

The process where the receiver interprets and understands the sender’s message based on their own experiences.

Inform (Function)

The function of communication used to provide facts, updates, and keep people aware of events or emergencies.

Educate (Function)

The function of communication used to teach new concepts, improve knowledge, and develop analytical skills.

Entertain (Function)

The function of communication that provides relaxation, enjoyment, and refreshment through media like movies and music.

Integrate (Function)

The function of communication that connects people from different backgrounds to promote unity, social harmony, and a sense of community.

Verbal Communication

A form of communication that uses words, divided into Oral (spoken) and Written (text) subtypes.

Oral Communication

A type of verbal communication involving speaking and listening that allows for instant feedback but may not leave a permanent record.

Written Communication

A type of verbal communication involving writing words, providing a permanent record that can be stored or referred to later.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication without words that uses facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and body language to express emotions.

Formal Communication

Communication that follows official rules, procedures, and professional structures, often following a proper chain of command.

Informal Communication

Casual and spontaneous communication that happens among friends and family without following strict structures.