What is Communication?

Defining communication is a challenging task due to its common usage and varied interpretations. Frank Dance noted in 1970 that 'communication' is one of the most overworked terms. This video will provide a basic definition, explore three communication models, and touch on different research angles to offer a well-rounded understanding.

The word 'communication' originates from the Latin 'communicare,' meaning 'to share' or 'to make something common.' A working definition is: 'the process by which people transmit information, share verbal and nonverbal messages, and create meaning with each other.' This definition aligns with the three keywords that structure the models discussed later: transmit, share, and create.

In 1948, Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver developed a foundational linear model of communication focused on transmitting information. A sender transmits a message as a signal through a channel to a receiver, with potential noise disrupting the process. This 'container model' suggests meaning is in the words themselves and communication is accomplished when the message is received. This model, often called the information transfer model, is limited and primarily designed for communication systems like telegraph or radio, not face-to-face interaction.

Dean Barnlund's 1962 transactional model views communication as a dynamic, continuous, and circular process where individuals are both senders and receivers simultaneously. This model emphasizes the sharing of meaning, including verbal and nonverbal cues and feedback. Crucially, Barnlund argued that meaning exists within the person, not solely in the words. Receivers interpret and decode messages based on their own understanding, highlighting that meaning is in us, not explicitly in the words, explaining why people can interpret the same message differently. This model describes the complex process of collaboratively working towards shared meaning.

Leaping forward, this perspective—championed by Robert Craig—suggests communication is a generative process that actively creates our social world and meaning. Communication 'constitutes' our social reality, meaning it is the primary process explaining our views, culture, and socioeconomic factors. We don't just share pre-existing ideas; we create meaning together through interactions, forming our social world, relationships, and societal norms. Meaning is not found in words or our heads, but is continuously generated through our communication processes.

The field of communication is vast, with several key areas of study. Rhetoric, an historic area dating back to Aristotle, focuses on how speakers artfully create and share messages for persuasion, encompassing political speeches and freedom of expression. Interpersonal communication examines one-on-one conversations and relationships, including active listening, conflict resolution, and the dynamics of friendships and family. Organizational communication explores workplace communication, leadership styles, and formal/informal networks, with subfields like crisis communication. Health communication investigates the crucial role of communication in healthcare settings, impacting patient recovery, risk communication, and discussions about illness. These areas highlight the extensive and expanding boundaries of communication studies.