Human Communication: A definition to support my theory
Human communication is the personal interaction between people using verbal and nonverbal means of delivering messages. This essay breaks down human communications into two parts. The first part will define communication. The second part will integrate the definition of communication with human interaction. This paper is my definition of human communication and will help with my theory development.
Defining human communication requires an understanding of communication as a general term. The Association for Communication Administration (ACA) held a conference where a definition for communication was designed: “The field of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.” (Korn, 2000, p.40).
This definition covers a broad overview of all areas in which communication reaches. My theory is ACA’s meaningful messages of communication can be broken down into two categories: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication includes all that is written, spoken, read, and heard by others. Verbal communication can send messages across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. For example, verbal communication through media can be in the form of a text message on a mobile phone. I believe most verbal communication is a conscious form of communication with intention to deliver a message.
Nonverbal communication includes all gestures, body language and signals. Any use of words would exclude a message from the nonverbal category. Nonverbal communication can also be sent across various contexts, cultures, channels and media. An example of nonverbal communication is when a student slouches in class with their arms crossed implying boredom. Nonverbal communication is a subconscious form of communication. The slouching student may not realize their boredom is showing through their body language.
From this understanding, the broad term “human communication” can now be addressed. Human communication is the personal interaction between people using verbal and nonverbal means of delivering messages. This form of communication has been around as long as the first humans that roamed this earth. I believe that without communication, survival is not possible. In our world, communication has grown into a natural requirement for survival.
Human communication has become more interactive as technology continues to evolve. Is this a blessing or a problem on the rise? For example, an estimated 14 million Americans use online dating services (Atlanta Constitution Journal, 2005). These people are using communication to meet others but their level of personal interaction through direct human communication may be warped. This may not affect our generation. However, if these communication trends continue to replace direct contact, humans may develop a lack of natural communication skills.
Definitions of human communication may differ from every person. Younger generations with a different experience of human communication may provide a definition that is unlike those of the older generations with a wider experience. No matter how human communication is described, I believe its importance is indefinable.
References Cited:
Korn, C.J., Morreale, S.P., Boleau, D.M., (2000, January). Defining the field: Revisiting the ACA 1995 definition of Communication Studies. Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, vol. 29 issue 1, 40, Retrieved August 25, 2007, from EBSCO Host Research database.
Atlanta Constitution Journal, (2005). Retrieved August 25, 2007, from Radio Advertising Bureau’s instant background reports Web site: