Understanding CommunicationEnglish word Communication derived from

Latin noun communis +

Latin verb communicare

Which means to make commonCommunication simply put is

2 or more people coming together to share, to commune

Communication not just an actor process but a social and cultural togethernessCommunication as a Social Science

Communication Science or Communication Studies involved with popular cultures, people as communicators

Studies of propaganda by social scientists resulted in interest among govts andacademicians

Government funds for communication research

Business & industry promoted media researchCommunication Studies influenced by

Research, rapid growth of press, cinema, radio, TV

Owes origin to US 1930s Institute of Propaganda Research established for influencing public opinion

In UK & France roots in literary and linguistic studies

In Germany trace to Institute of Social Research & Freudian psychoanalysis

India established with govts need for propagating family planning, socialdevelopment and national integration

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication 1965

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting training & conduct research

University depts joined inNeed for Communication

Strong in Human beings

Basic need as in eating, sleeping etc


Both social & individual needCommunication involvesActive interaction with environments physical, biological & socialWhen we acknowledge this, we adapt to the environmentThe basic need for communication can be traced to the process of mankindsevolution from lower species (animals sensory faculty to find food, protect )Lack of communication (& Excommunication) or sensory overload can bedisorienting can lead to anxiety, apathy, impaired judgement, hallucinations,schizophreniaSensory overload info explosion satellite TV, internet etc Communication & Language

Sensory Communication was not enough

Hence evolution of symbolic Communication called language

Non-verbal gestures to verbal, then to written, printed word

Language intertwined with cultureCommunication as Information

Communication not just sending and receiving info

It is the whole experience a human relationship

Significant info can bring about a Communication relationshipRight to Communicate

Right to Info declared fundamental right -United Nations Charter and Freedomof Information Bill May 1997 (India)Defining Communication

Interaction, interchange, transaction, dialogue, sharing, communion andcommonness

Communication is a process which increases commonality but also requireselements of commonality for it to occur at all Denis McQuail

Human Communication is a clash of symbols and covers a multitude of signs. It is more than media and message, information and persuasion; it also meets adeeper need and serves a higher purpose. Whether clear or garbled, tumultuousor silent, deliberate or inadvertent, communication is the ground of meeting and the foundation of the community. It is, in short, the essential human connection. Ashley Montagu and Floyd Mason

Interaction within a culture is governed not so much by language, but by body synthesizers set in motion almost immediately after birth and thereafter conditioned by culture. Communication, therefore, is not a matter of isolated entities sending discrete messages back and forth, but a

process of mutual participation in a common structure of rhythmic patterns by all members of aculture. W S CardonTypes of Communication

Intrapersonal

Interpersonal (Face-to-face)

Transpersonal

MassIntrapersonal Communication

Individual reflection, contemplation, meditation

Transcendental meditation is example of thisInterpersonal (face-to-face) Communication

Direct face-to-face between 2 persons

Dialogue, conversation

More persuasive, influential

Privacy, personal space

Different in different cultures

Can be focused or unfocused interactions3 Stages of Interpersonal Communication

The Phatic Stage (warming up, hi hello stage)

The Personal Stage (more personal element)

The Intimate Stage (for friends, relatives, degree of intimacy, reveal innermostthoughts and feelings)Transpersonal Communication

Conversing with divine, with spirits, ancestors

Vital experience in religious and monastic, ashram lifeGroup Communication

The larger the group, the less personal and intimate in possibility of exchange


Degree of directness and intimacy depends on size of group, the place where itmeets, relship of members to one another, and to group leader

So mutual participation & understanding may suffer

More complex than Interpersonal Communication

Feedback in key word

In Interpersonal communication feedback is instant, but not in groupcommunication

Face-to-face communication more persuasive and influentialMass Communication

Group communication has now been extended by tools of mass communication: books, press, cinema, radio, TV, internet, mobile

Generally identified with modern MASS MEDIAPower of media

Media and Law?

Media and Celebrities?

Media and Cinema?

Mass Media and the Consumer?

Mass Media and Politics?

Mass Media and education?

Mass Media & Health?

Media and Sports?Interactive communication

Via new media video, cable, tele-shopping, video-on-demand, teletext,computers, internet termed interactive communications

Telecommunications-based services telephones, pagers, cellular alsointeractive