Langugae and Communication

By Mr. Hemant Joshi

 

Language requires a medium. Medium is that which converts messages into signals so that they can be transmitted through a channel eg. When we speak in a room, the air acts as a medium.   

In Radio transmission, electromagnetic signals are transmitted through radio waves.

Language is the primary medium. All media is an extension of language. Language is primarily oral and has words, sentences and discourses.

Speech

It is the beginning of language. It is a social act, which represents an emotive aspect of our existence.

There are three types of media:

1) Presentational Media

2) Representational Media

3) Mechanical Media

Speech is a part of Presentational Media because speech cannot be generated without people for whom it is generated. A speaker and listener should be available and both should be present at the same time. Speech is irreversible. Words cannot be reiterated. In order to erase the meaning of something more words need to be added in order to clarify.  

Communication: Concept and Process (Ms. Parul Abrol)

Communication:

Provide an abstract understanding of the communication process as an understanding. One can move beyond deciphering a single event, i.e. one can apply it everywhere.

Communication process:

The communication process is made of four components:

1) Sender-

The sender can be an individual, a group or an organization. The sender is responsible for sending the message. Sender’s experience, skill, attitude, knowledge, perceptions and culture influence the message.

2) Message-

It involves a threefold process. Written words, oral communication, non-verbal language selected are of paramount in ensuring the receiver interprets the message as intended by the sender.

For example: Burnett & Dollar.

·         The first step is Encoding in sending the message.

·         Encoding : - “Translating the information into a message in the form of symbols that represent the concept.”

·         Symbols used could be language, words, gestures, etc.

·         For effective message and message encoding, there should be clarity on what message needs to be sent.

·         To transmit the message, an appropriate channel is utilized.

         For example: oral or written communication, etc.

         Narendra modi writing English Editorials.

 The Message is pitched on the basis of:

a)    Urgency.

b)    If immediate feedback is received.

c)    If the documentation required should be permanent.

1) Receiver:-

This involves the next step viz. Decoding. Decoding is done by the receiver. Once the message is received examined, the brain interprets it.

How does a receiver interprets the message depends upon the following:

a)    Skill

b)    His/her knowledge on the subject

c)    Relationship between the sender and the receiver

d)    Experiences, attitudes, perception and culture.

1) Feedback:-

The Receiver may respond in some way and signal responses to the sender. This may be in the form of a smile, a sign, abuses, facial gestures, etc.

·         “A lack of response could also be a form of response”- Bovee & Thrill.

·         The communication process is the perfect guide towards achieving effective communication. This helps to ensure that the receiver gets the message and understands it.

2) Barriers:-

The communication process can be hampered by barriers.

• Inappropriate language, incorrect grammar, inflammatory words, words that conflict with body language, technical jargon.
• Noise and disturbances, etc.

All these factors can distort the message or prevent the receiver from paying attention. 

The day commenced with an introductory lecture by Ms. Aditi who told us about the inverted pyramid form of reporting and rule of 5Ws and 1H. The inverted pyramid signifies that while reporting, the most relevant information must precede the less important details of the story.  We also had a little discussion about the major publications in India, their target audience and their influence.

The second lecture was on Communication Concepts by Ms. Parul Abrol. She defined Communication as “all those planned and unplanned processes through which one person influences the behavior of others.” She told us that we interact according to certain theories as they help broaden the contours of our understanding of communication behavior. They also help us predict and control our communication while providing us with an abstract understanding of communication process so that it enables one to move beyond deciphering in a linear fashion.

The next lecture was taken by Probir Pramanik who shared his experiences as a print journalist. He began by giving us an advice that while writing a report, the sentences must be short and crisp as it helps hold the attention of the reader. He said preparation study or research is a part of life for a journalist and sources and contacts are an essential part of journalism. While elaborating on each of these points by sustaining them with real life examples and interesting anecdotes from his experience as a journalist, he also remarked on some relevant facts about the media industry. He told us about the constant conflict between the industry trends and journalistic trends which is present due to the strong corporate lobby that enables the corporations and politicians to plant stories. Lastly he spoke about the newspaper’s social responsibility towards the people so that the reporter may write ethically without instigating them.