Communication

- derived from the Latin words communis which means “commonness” and
communicare which means “to share.”

Communication has several definitions. Here are some of its meanings that are taken
from varied sources;

 Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking,

writing, or using some other mediums (Oxforddictionary.com)
 Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between
individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior
(MerriamWebsters.com)
 Communication is a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in
which participants not only exchange information, news, ideas and feelings
but also create and share meaning (businessdictionary.com)

The communication process demonstrates all the factors that affect the
communication. The main components are as follows:

1. Context- this is also known as situation, setting or environment.

2. Sender- this is also known as speaker, source or encoder.
3. Message-this is the key element that is transmitted in communication.
4. Channel- another term for this is medium. This refers to the pathway through
which the message travels in order to reach its destination.
5. Receiver- this is otherwise known as decoder or listener. In oral communication,
the receiver is the listener, and in written medium the reader is the receiver.
6. Feedback- this is the return process of communication which completes the loop
of communication.
7. Noise- this is called interference. Noise or interference refers to anything that
hinders the transmission or reception of the message.
a. Semantic noise- this barrier may either be denotative or connotative. In a
denotative barrier, the sender and the receiver disagree about the definition
 or meaning of a word or phrase. A connotative barrier means that a word has
a different meaning in a particular context.
b. Syntactic noise- Syntax refers to grammar, structure or set of rules that
govern how words are combined in meaningful phrases and sentences.
c. Environmental noise- refers to the type of barrier that physically disrupts
communication.
d. Organizational noise- Poorly structured or planned message can also be a
barrier.
e. Psychological noise- refers to certain attitudes that can also make
communication difficult.
f. Physiological-Impairment noise- physical conditions such as deafness or
blindness can hinder effective communication and interfere with the reception
of the message.
g. Cultural Noise- differences in culture may interfere with cross-cultural
understanding.