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CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION
EPC 460: LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
DR LIM PECK CHOO
TOPIC OUTLINE
What is communication?
Process of communication/ Components of
communication
Principles of Communication
Types of Communication
Communication Competence
What is language?
What is the relationship between language and
communication?
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
"Communication" is from the Latin word communicare,
meaning to impart, share, or make common.
Definition of communication:
as the process of using messages to generate meaning
(Pearson et al., 2013, p. 9)
Process: because it is an activity, an exchange, or a
set of behaviours. It implies something
dynamic, ongoing and continuous.
Messages can be both verbal and non-verbal and
include: signs, symbols and behaviours
Meaning: is the understanding of the message
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BENEFITS OF STUDYING COMMUNICATION
Improve your self-perception
Improve how others see you
Increase understanding of human relationships
Learn important life skills
Exercise freedom of speech
Succeed professionally
Navigate diverse world
Pearson, Nelson, Titsworth & Harter, 2013
Communication Breakdown
Communication Breakdown
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Communication Breakdown
COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION
(Pearson et al. 2013, p.11-12)
People: source and receiver of messages
Messages: non-verbal and verbal form of idea, thought or feeling that one wishes to
(content of convey. Includes symbols (words and phrases), facial expressions, bodily
interaction) movements, gestures, physical contact, and tone of voice as well as non-verbal
codes.
Channels: is the means (channel) by which a message moves from the source to the
receiver of the message- via sound waves, air waves, cable (TV), computer
Feedback: the receivers verbal and non-verbal response to the sources message
Code: a systematic arrangement of symbols used to create meanings in the mind of
another person (s). E.g. words, phrases, sentences
Verbal codes: symbols and their grammatical arrangement, such as
languages
Non-verbal codes: all symbols that are not words, including bodily
movements, the use of space and time, clothing and adornments, and
sounds other than word
Encoding: the process of translating an idea or a thought into a code
Decoding: the process of assigning meaning to the idea or thought in a code
Noise: any interference in the encoding and decoding processes that reduces message
clarity such as loud sounds, distracting sights, smells etc
THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS
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PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION
Begins with the self and involves others
Has content and a relational dimension and is
complicated
Quantity of communication does not
necessarily increase quality of communication
Is inevitable, irreversible and unrepeatable
Communication Begins with Self
Communication Begins with Self
In this famous cartoon by W.E. Hill, both a young woman and older woman are displayed.
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Communication Begins with Self
Communication Begins with Self
COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Public
Mass
Computer-
mediated
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Copyright 2013, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All Rights Reserved.
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Goals of Communication Study
Effective communication
(communication competence)
Ethical communication: NCA Credo
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