My Human Communication Definition
Abstract
This blog entry defines Human Communication and its three main areas; oral, non verbal, and verbal human communication. The Shannon-Weaver model will be used to define the basic communication process. In addition, there will be some examples that will display the basic human communication process.
1.0 Introduction
According to the book, Theories of Human Communication, the word communication is hard to define (Littlejohn & Foss, 2008, p. 3). One reason is that there are so many different attributes that make up communication. One way to define the basic human communication process is the Shannon-Weaver model of communication.
2.0 Shannon-Weaver model of communication
The model consists of a source, encoder, decoder, medium, and sink (Jones & Kovac 2003, p. 2). The source will be named Person A. Person A is encoding the word hello. The word hello is sent through the air, which is the medium or channel. The encoded message will be received by the sink, or Person B, the one who is receiving the encoded message. Person B receives the encoded message and decodes the word hello in English. The word hello is sent to the source for confirmation. Since both Person A and Person B speak the same language; the message has been comprehended.
3.0 Complexity of Human Communication: Oral, Nonverbal, and Verbal Communication
Realistically, human communication is more complex than that. Person “A” could have been talking with a soft volume while Person “B” could have been talking with a loud volume. Person “A” could have a different speed of saying hello than Person “B”. Usually when humans talk to each other a mixture of oral and non verbal communication is used. Non verbal communication symbolizes movements that are customary to one’s culture. For example, the shaking of the head upward and downward motion in the United States; is a symbol for the word yes. The shaking of the head to the left and right is the symbol for the word no. These non-verbal cues can mean something totally different in other countries. Dr. Jay Gillette (personal communication August 20, 2007). The non-verbal cues for “yes” and “no” can be conveyed by writing and reading the words “yes” and no”, which is verbal communication.
4.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, The Shannon-Weaver model was used to better understand the basic human communication process within this report. Oral, verbal, and nonverbal communication was discussed. Oral communication includes words or sounds that are conveyed between humans. Non verbal communication involves motions that are made by a human that has symbolic qualities. Verbal communication involves the writing and reading of words and symbols.
References
Jones S., Kovac, R (2003).INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES A
GUIDE FOR NON-ENGINNER.Boca Raton: AUERBACH PUBLICATIONS.
Littlejohn, S. W & Foss K. A (2008). Theories of Human Communication (9th Ed.).Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth.