Nature of Personal and Interpersonal Communication

Essential Definitions

• Language: A systematic method of communication using sounds, words, symbols, and rules to express thoughts and experiences. Henry Gleason defines it as a "systematic framework of spoken sounds" chosen arbitrarily for use within a culture.
• Communication: The process of exchanging information or feelings. Engleberg & Wynn ($2008$) describe it as using verbal and non-verbal means across various contexts and cultures.

Seven Elements of Human Communication

According to Engleberg & Wynn ($2008$), humans use communication to:

1. Introduce aspects of self.
2. Share messages.
3. Reach goals.
4. Establish relationships within specific contexts.
5. Develop content and structure. 6-7. Express themselves verbally and non-verbally.

Nine Components of Communication

1. Sender (Pinagmulan): The creator and sender of the message.
2. Encoding (Enkoding): Translating ideas into words or symbols.
3. Message (Mensahe): The actual information or idea conveyed.
4. Channel (Tsanel): The medium used, such as internet, speech, or writing.
5. Noise (Ingay): Any barrier hindering message clarity.
6. Receiver (Tagatanggap): The recipient who interprets the message.
7. Decoding (Dekoding): The process of understanding the message.
8. Context (Konteksto): The situation, location, and time surrounding the act.
9. Feedback (Tugon): The receiver's reaction to the message.

Intrapersonal Communication

• Definition: Communication occurring within the self (Burton and Dimbey, $1995$); involves "self-talk" and reflection.
• Core Principles:
  • Self-perception: How an individual interprets their environment.
  • Self-concept: Total beliefs answering "Who am I?"
  • Self-esteem: The valuation or "reputation" one gives to themselves (Branden, in Engleberg & Wynn, $2008: 43$).
• Language/Tone: Requires careful, creative, and critical language; uses an introspective, honest tone.

Interpersonal Communication

• Definition: Interaction between two or more people to share info or maintain relationships.
• Principles (Julia T. Wood, $2020$):
  • Communication is inevitable (even silence carries a message).
  • Statements are irreversible.
  • Involves ethical responsibility and sensitivity.
  • Meaning is co-created and shifts through meta-communication (how things are expressed) and pragmatics.
• Considerations: Language should be simple and dynamic. Success relies on non-verbal cues (gestures, expression, eye contact) and cultural awareness.