Communication: meaning & features

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Communication is a transference of a message from a sender to receiver.

That means every interaction between two persons, groups or machines are communication. If we make a list of examples for communication we can include following:

• Talking to a friend
• Calling a relative
• Chatting with friends on whatsapp
• Emailing with colleagues
• Asking for groceries
• Giving speech
• Programming a website

All these can be included in the long list of communications that we do during a single day. It also make clear that we can not do without communication.

There are some definitions of communications, three of them are as below:

1)     Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas and opinions or emotions by two or more persons. (Newman and Summers)

This definition talks of communication as a process of exchanging messages by two or more people. And the content of the message can be facts(like Himalaya is tallest mountain range), ideas(like we should keep our surroundings clean), opinions(like should we study science or arts?) and emotions(like expressing love to a beloved).

2)     Communication is a process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/or organisations so that an understanding response results. (Peter Little)

This definition takes the professional use of communication. It is seen as a process of interaction that results into a kind of response which can launch a chain of conversations.

3)     Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of eliciting actions which will accomplish organisational goals. (William Scott)

This definition goes further and takes communication as a method for forwarding and copying the received message into its original form. It also includes the feedback(response) as a responsible element that can lead to action in an organisation.

Here are some features of communication:

1)     Two way process

Communication is a two way process. That means it has two sides to cover. Messages are passed from one side to other. Other side replies to it. that makes communication a two way process. For example, when we need to talk to someone, we need that someone to listen to it. when we email, we need a recipient.

2)     Continuous process

Communication is a continuous process. That means it is not an isolated process that happens just once. When we talk with someone we tend to jump from one topic to other. That kind of linkage allow us to communicate for a long time. So it creates a chain of communication and makes it continuous.

3)     Goal oriented

There has to be a purpose of communication. For example, we communicate in a shop in order to buy something. We ask questions to get an answer. There can be more than just casual goals. Sometimes we talk or communicate to express a feeling or to feel relaxed.

4)     Inevitable

Communication is inevitable. We can not do without it. human activities depend on communication.  Without communication we can not understand what other are trying to convey or whether people are getting what we are trying to convey. That’s why communication is necessary.

5)     Exchanging meanings

Communication exchange meanings. Meanings are stored in our thoughts and understanding. We convey it via communicating. We use language, gesture, facial expression, tone, signs, symbols for that. For example, a sign mentioning distance to a city is also an exchange of meaning. But for that we need to have a common ground of understanding.

6)     Complex process

Communication is a complex process. We need to have an understanding of complexity of our sign system and language. Diversity within human cultures make it more complex. Even the communication cycles are not simple. For example, in meeting there are more than two persons where everyone is trying to convey his or her thought to others.

7)     Dynamic process

Communication is a dynamic process because it has an effect on the sender or receiver. That means it can change the mood or perspective of receiver or sender. It is also dynamic as it uses all the sensory organs.

8)     Interdisciplinary

Communication is not only a linguistic activity. It has basis on psychology, history, geography, political science and culture. Knowledge from each such discipline changes our understanding of communication process.