The Basics of Communication

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and theories related to communication as discussed in the lecture notes.

Communication

The exchange of information through verbal and nonverbal means.

Nonverbal Communication

Communication without words, utilizing gestures, facial expressions, and body language.

Encoding

The process of transforming thoughts into communicable messages by the sender.

Decoding

The interpretation of the sender's message by the receiver.

Feedback

The response or reaction provided by the receiver that informs the sender about the message's reception.

Paralanguage

The non-verbal elements of communication, such as tone and pitch, that accompany spoken language.

Metacommunication

Communication about communication; the implied meanings that accompany verbal messages.

Context

The environment and situational conditions that influence the understanding and interpretation of communication.

High-context cultures

Cultures that rely heavily on contextual cues and non-verbal signals for communication.

Low-context cultures

Cultures that favor direct verbal communication over contextual cues.

Cognitive Biases

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Assumptions

Beliefs made about a situation or person without sufficient evidence.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people.

Hasty Judgments

Quick evaluations made without thorough consideration of relevant factors.

Emic Approach

Study of cultural phenomena from the perspective of someone within that culture.

Etic Approach

Study of cultural phenomena from the perspective of an outsider.

Cultural Universals

Elements, patterns, traits, or institutions that are common to all human cultures.

Intercultural competence

The ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from different cultures.

Communication Barriers

Obstacles that hinder effective communication, such as noise, language differences, and personal biases.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

The idea that language influences thought and perception of reality.

Cultural Relativity

The principle that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture.

No. Nonverbal cues, slips of the tongue, and tone often happen subconsciously.

Is communication always conscious and intentional?

It can overwhelm the listener, break Grice’s Maxim of Quantity, and obscure the main message.

What’s the problem with giving too much information in communication?

No. Meaning is shaped by culture, context, experience, and personal interpretation.

Do words always mean the same to speaker and listener?

Linear = one-way. Transactional = two-way, includes feedback and evolving meaning.

What’s the key difference between linear and transactional communication models?

Sender, Message, Channel, Receiver, Feedback + Noise as a disruption

What are the 5 key elements in a communication model?

Once a message is sent, it can’t be taken back — it leaves an impact, no matter what.

What does “communication is irreversible” mean?

Time, Gestures, and Assumptions (among others like place, language, style…)

What are 3 major barriers to communication?

You can’t not communicate. Silence is a form of communication in itself.

What’s the Palo Alto principle about silence?

In Japanese, [r] and [l] are not distinct sounds, making it difficult for native speakers to differentiate between words like "light" and "right" in English.

Phonology Example: [r] vs [l] in Japanese

• "I am boring" = Present participle (something about me is causing boredom).

• "I am bored" = Past participle (I feel bored).

Morphology Example: "I am boring" vs "I am bored"

• In the UK, "fine" can mean "okay" or "average."

• In the US, "fine" is often used to mean "very good" or "well."

Semantics Example: "fine" in UK vs "fine" in US

This sentence shows grammar chaos—incorrect word order and structure that creates confusion.

Syntax Example: "I shop eggs buy to have"

In many contexts, this could be interpreted as a polite request, depending on tone and situation.

Pragmatics Example: "Do you have salt?"

These are examples of languages mixing two systems, like Spanish + English (Spanglish), German + English (Denglish), and Polish + English (Ponglish).

Hybrid Languages: Spanglish, Denglish, Ponglish

• Denotation: The literal meaning (e.g., "damp" = slightly wet).

• Connotation: The emotional association (e.g., "moist" = unpleasantly wet).

Denotation vs Connotation

Language limits thought – we can't think outside the confines of our language (extreme view).

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Linguistic Determinism

Language shapes thought – different languages might influence how we think about things like colours, gendered words, or metaphors.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Linguistic Relativity

Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics.

Language Levels

morphological level differences:

• "Bored" describes how you feel.

• "Boring" describes how something else makes you feel.

What is the difference between "bored" and "boring"?

Language shapes thought.

Define Linguistic Relativity in one sentence.

Communication about communication. It’s the vibe, not just the words e.g. “I’m fine.” (angrily) ≠ fine

What is metacommunication?

Vocal elements that shape meaning — how you say something (Tone, volume, rhythm, pauses)

What is paralanguage?

George Trager, 1958

Who coined the term paralanguage?

Words = 7%, Tone = 38%, Body Language = 55%

What’s the communication % breakdown?

Body movement – gestures, posture, facial expressions

Define kinesics.

Eye behaviour – contact, blinking, side-eye, gaze

What’s oculesics?

Communication through touch (hugs, handshakes, taps)

What is haptics?

Use & perception of time – punctuality, pauses, time orientation

What’s chronemics?

Use of personal space – how close is too close?

Define proxemics.

Communication through smell – perfume, scent memory

What’s olfactics?

Objects that send messages – clothes, jewellery, accessories

What are artefacts in communication?

Symbolism of colours – red = passion, white = purity, etc.

What is chromatics?

Time = strict schedule, one task at a time (🇬🇧 🇩🇪 🇺🇸)

What’s a monochronic culture like?

Time = fluid, multitasking, people > punctuality (🇲🇽 🇮🇳 🇪🇬)

What’s a polychronic culture like?