FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNICATION
After completing this unit, you should be familiar with
The meaning and importance of the concept of communication
Various definitions of communication
The elements of communication
The nature and purpose of communication
The functions of communication
Various types of communication
Various models of communication
It is impossible not to communicate. Everybody communicates, everything communicates. Communication is not a process limited to human beings only. All creatures on the earth, from worms to humans, are communicating each other for their better existence. It is a universal phenomenon.
Communication is a process which includes transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, knowledge by using symbols, words, gestures, and visuals and so on. Thus, the act of communication is referred to as ‘transmission’.
As communication being a universal phenomenon that defines all human behavior, it is important to have a clear understanding of the concepts of communication. What is communication? Why is it important to human beings? How does it work? What are the elements involved in the process of communication? How do they relate each other? What are the different types of communication? We should answer these questions to have a better understanding of the subject. Let us look into each of them.
Meaning of Communication
The word communication was originated from the Latin word ‘communis’ which means ‘common’. Communion, community, communism, commonality, communalism etc. are some related words having the same linguistic roots. Similarly, newer and newer terms are being coined as the concept of communication assumes importance day by day. Communication technology, communication media, communication age, communication management are just a few.
As the very term indicates, the ultimate aim of the communication process is to create commonness...