J.E.Flinn

Introduction:

Human communication is difficult to define with so many different theories and approaches from communication theorists. I will attempt to define human communication by specifying dimensions of the communication process and then apply these characteristics to my theory.

Analysis of Human Communication:

Analyzing the practice of human communication requires an understanding of the term “communication.” The Association for Communication Administration (ACA) defined communication as a “focus on how people use messages to generate meaning within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication” (Korn, 2000). This definition covers a broad overview of all areas in which communication reaches. ACA’s message can be broken down into two parts: conscious and subconscious communication. I will discuss these parts in detail later in the essay.
Found in many definitions of communication lies the communication model designed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver. This model was developed for information flow through electronic medium however; Weaver used it to demonstrate basics of human communication. In Human Communication: The Process of Relating, the Shannon-Weaver is humanized for application to human communications.

Exhibit 1: Download file

Exhibit 1 is the humanized diagram. The model shows seven different stages that information passes through from when the communicator creates the message, to when the communicatee interprets the message. The return cycle shows how the communicatee responds with a message that is then related to the original communicator, transforming each original role to the opposite (e.g. the commicator becomes the communicatee and vice versa).
The message may differ from message to message when noise interferes. As seen in the diagram, there are five different types of noise. The first type is neurological, or interference in the brain allowing nerve impulses to pass from cell to cell. Second is psychological, or thoughts, memories, or fears.
Next is cultural, or ideologies and prejudices. Forth is physiological meaning faulty muscle action, or physical structure (stuttering, lisp, beautiful woman, physical disfigure). Finally is the physical noise that is actual noise that overwrites a voice or message (Borden, 1976).
According to Dr. Jay Gillette, “history gives depth to meaning.” Thus I would like to look at the etymology of the world message. Message comes from the Latin word missus, or “a course at a meal”; and from mittre, meaning “to put, send, or smite.” The basic element of message is “mess” which alludes to a quantity of food and a group of people eating together (“messmates”). Mess also involves a confused, dirty, or offensive state or condition. When applying to communication, messages are used to convey basic needs and express feelings. These characteristics are also found in the etymology of the word – feeding can be compared to the basic needs and confusion and hurtfulness can be compared to expressing feelings through messages (Langs,1983).
As previously stated, messages can be broken down into two parts. The next section will discuss the conscious and subconscious divisions of human communication as a part of my theory. This is only a part of my theory because communications is an ongoing process according to George Brutchen (2007).

Cybernetic Communication Theory

Sticking with etymologies, cybernetics comes from the Greek; kybernetes, “steersman, governor, pilot, or rudder” – interestingly enough from the same root as government. Cybernetics is a broad field of study with a goal to understand and define the functions and processes of systems (Wikipedia, 2007). “The cybernetic tradition has had a vital impact on how communication scholars think about relationships” (Littlejohn, 2008). As communicators, we are constantly adapting our behaviors to the feedback given from others. We do this simultaneously in relationships through both conscious and subconscious actions. “Well beyond any measure of conscious control, the mind shifts automatically and almost instinctively from one form of expression to the other, depending on its own psychophysiological state and on external conditions” (Langs, 1983). Subconscious communication is done unintentionally. An example is found in Littlejohn’s book Theories of Human Communication; a teacher gives a test or exam to his or her class. The subconscious message could be that they have authority in the classroom.
Conscious communication is done intentionally. Most conscious communication is verbal but can also fall under non-verbal communication. If I wave my hand, I am consciously trying to get another’s attention.
The study of cybernetic communicaotin theory helps define and understand the system in which messages are transferred in relationships consciouslyt and subconsciously. In Tom Peters’ Thriving on Chaos, S-4 recommends that you set conservative goals. “In order to grow through instant response to any opportunity, we must be certain that our execution skills…are firmly established” (Peters, 1987). This means that in order to communicate effectively, you must set goals about what you want to accomplish through communication. To convey the message properly, you must do this through conscious and subconscious communication.

Conclusion

After breaking down the term communication and synthesizing my theory of human communication, I hope to improve my own skills as a communicator. From now on I would like to turn all communication events into enriching experiences and continue to grow.

References

Korn, C.J. Morreale, S.P. (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 Agust 25, 2007, from EBSCO Host Research Database.

Borden, G. (1976). Human Communication: the process of relating. Menlo Park, CA: Cummins Publishing Company.

Langs, R. (1983). Unconscious Communication in Everyday Life. New York, NY: Jason Aronson, Inc.

Gillette, J. (2007) Quote from ICS 602 class on September 19, 2007

Wikipedia (2007). Cybernetics Definition. Retrieved October 23, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybernetics.

Littlejohn, S.W. (2008). Theories of Human Communication, 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Corporation.

Peters, T. (1987). Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution. New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publisher, Inc.

Brutchen, G. (2007) from interview on October 20, 2007.