Introduction to communication variations, models of communication, and communication breakdown.

Why study communication variations?

Why communication matters

Misunderstandings can lead to exclusion or conflict.

Awareness leads to stronger relationships, better teamwork, and more equity.

Different careers all depend on effective communication.

Definition of communication

The process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups. It can occur through various means such as spoke or written words, body language, signals, or electronics.

Key aspects of communication

Vocalization

Producing sound by voice (verbal or non verbal)

Animal example of communication

Sperm whales clicking sounds know as “codas” to convey information or songbirds using complex songs to attract mates and establish territory.

Body language

Animal example of communication

Dogs using body postures, tail wagging and facial expressions to communicate emotions/intentions or honeybees performing the “waggle dance” to inform other bees about the location of food.

Visual signals

Animal example of communication

Dogs using body postures, tail wagging and facial expressions to communicate emotions/intentions or honeybees performing the “waggle dance” to inform other bees about the location of food.

Visual signals

Animal example of communication

Fireflies using bioluminescences to attract mates/communicate with each other or cuttlefish changing their skin color and patterns to communicate with potential mates and rivals.

Tactile communications

Animal example of communication

Elephants using their trunks to touch and caress each other, helping with bonding and reassurance, or primates using grooming as to strengthen social bonds and communicate affection.

Chemical signals (plants)

Volatile organic compounds released by plants to send messages, attract predators, or warn neighboring plants to activate their defenses; or plants secreting chemicals through their roots to interact with soil microbes or other plants.

Electrical signals

plant example of communication

Plants using electrical signals to transmit information within themselves, such as to trigger defensive responses.

Mycorrhizal networks

Plant example of communication

Also known as “WOOD WIDE WEB” these networks they involve fungi that connect the roots of different plants. Through these, plants can exchange nutrients and chemical signals, helping them to communicate about environmental conditions and stress factors.

Ultrasonic sounds

Plant example of communication

Plants emitting ultrasonic sounds when they are stressed. These sounds can potentially be detected by other plants or animals.

Basic communication process

sender - message - channel - receiver - feedback

importance of verbal and nonverbal communication

Why we communicate

Information sharing

Emotional expression

Persuasion (influence)

Social interactions

Problem solving

Decision making

Seeking information

Entertainment

Coordination & cooperation

Identity formation

Conflict resolution

Cultural transmission

Language

An arbitrary system of symbols, sounds, gestures, or written characters used by humans to communicate thoughts, ideas, emotions, and information. It involves a set of rules for combining these symbols to convey meaning and is essential for social interaction, cultural expression, and knowledge transmission.

Phonology

Branch of linguistic that deals with the systematic organization of sounds in languages. Focuses on how sounds function within languages to encode meaning.

Semantics

Study of meaning in language. Examines how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning and how the meaning of words combine to form the meaning of sentences.

Morphology

Branch of linguistics that studies the structure and form of words. Looks at how words are formed from smaller units called “MORPHEMES”, the smallest units of meanings.

Syntax

Set of rules, principles, and processes that govern structure of sentences in a language. Involves the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Pragmatics

Branch of linguistics that studies how context influences the interpretation of meaning. Looks at how language is used in real life situations and how context of an utterance affects its meaning.

Speech

The expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas through articulate sounds. Involves the ability to produce vocal sounds that form words and sentences, enabling verbal communication.

What is a communication breakdown?

Occurs when the intended message is not understood by the receiver in the way the sender intended, leading to confusion, conflict, or misinterpretation.

How communication breakdowns

Lack of active listening

Differences in language, jargon, or specialized terminology

Emotional barriers

Cultural differences

Overuse or misuse of technology

Assumptions in communication I

Assumption in communication II