Introduction to Communication - Major Communication Models

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the major models and paradigms of communication, including linear theories (Shannon & Weaver, Laswell), the orchestral model (Palo Alto), and Jakobson's six factors and functions of language.

Linear Model of Communication

A simplistic, one-way communication paradigm where a sender encodes and transmits a message that is received and decoded by a recipient, lacking a feedback loop.

Shannon and Weaver Model (1948)

A mathematical and engineering linear model created by engineer Claude Shannon and philosopher Weaver focused on telegraphic transmission, aiming to ensure the signal reaches the destination in a state as close as possible to the source.

Noise (Source de bruit)

Any disruptive interference within the communication channel that can affect, scramble, or distort the transmitted signal before it reaches the receiver.

Cybernetics (Norbert Wiener)

A field developed in 1948 studying communication and control between machines and animals/humans, contributing to the post-war development of linear communication theories.

Harold D. Laswell's Model (1948)

A linear model of mass communication that views the communication process as an act of persuasion and influence, analyzed through the formula: 'Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?'

Laswell's Five Analytical Divisions

The five corresponding levels of analysis in Harold D. Laswell's model: Control analysis (Who/Sender), Content analysis (Says what/Message), Media analysis (How/Media), Audience analysis (To whom/Receiver), and Effects analysis (With what effect/Effect).

Orchestral Model (Social Communication)

A holistic communication paradigm viewing communication as an ongoing social system and construct involving verbal and non-verbal behavior, rather than a mere transmission of information.

Palo Alto School

A North American research group originating from the Mental Research Institute (founded by Bateson) and related researchers (Watzlawick, Birdwhistell, Goffman) that examined interpersonal interaction, gestures, and the social codes of everyday communication.

"On ne peut pas ne pas communiquer"

An axiom formulated by Paul Watzlawick stating that 'one cannot not communicate,' meaning all behavior in an interactive social setting has communicative value.

Proxemics (Proxémique)

The study of interpersonal physical distances and the use of space as a system of meaning in communication.

Kinesics (Kinésique)

The study of body movements, gestures, and postures as major signifying elements in social communication.

Jakobson's Model of Communication

A linguistic model developed by Roman Jakobson identifying six constitutive factors of verbal communication (addresser, addressee, message, context, code, contact), each corresponding to a specific language function.

Expressive Function (Fonction expressive)

The linguistic function centered on the sender (destinateur), expressing the sender's personality, feelings, thoughts, and attitudes (e.g., in crisis communication).

Conative Function (Fonction conative)

The linguistic function focused on the addressee (destinataire), aimed at influencing them to act, listen, or feel in a specific manner desired by the sender (e.g., advertising slogans).

Phatic Function (Fonction phatique)

The linguistic function associated with the contact factor, used to establish, prolong, maintain, or verify the connection between communication partners.

Metalinguistic Function (Fonction métalinguistique)

The linguistic function centered on the code, operating when participants use language to verify, explain, or discuss the language or code itself.

Referential Function (Fonction référentielle)

The linguistic function oriented toward the context, providing factual information and describing the external situation on which the message depends.

Poetic Function (Fonction poétique)

The linguistic function focused on the form, aesthetic structure, and phrasing of the message itself rather than merely its content.

Analogic vs. Digital Functions (Jakobson)

Jakobson's classification grouping the expressive, conative, and phatic functions into the domain of relationship (analogic language), while grouping the referential, metalinguistic, and poetic functions into the domain of content (digital language).