From previous discussions, it is evident that there is no single “standard” definition of communication. However, we can conceptualize the term by examining various definitions provided by scholars over time.
Many scholars define communication as the process of transmitting or exchanging ideas, facts, opinions, or emotions between individuals. For instance, Cyril L. Hudson stated, “Communication in its simplest form is the conveying of information from one person to another.” Similarly, G. G. Brown defined it as “the transmission and interchange of facts, ideas, feelings, or courses of action.” While these definitions emphasize the transmission or exchange of information, communication encompasses more than this. The critical issue in communication is “meaning” or “understanding.” The words, signs, and symbols we use in communication have meanings that may vary depending on the individual, context, and culture. For example, when requesting money from a friend by saying, “please, lend me some money. I badly need it,” the interpretation of “I badly need it” might differ from person to person. This discrepancy may necessitate repeated explanations until mutual understanding is achieved. Keith Davis describes the communication process as a “bridge of meaning.” Additionally, without receiving a response from the other person, we cannot ascertain whether they have grasped the “idea” we are trying to convey, indicating that communication involves a step-by-step process of sharing information and receiving feedback to achieve common understanding.
Considering the complexities in defining communication comprehensively, Em Griffin offers a definition that highlights its essential features: “Communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting messages that elicit a response.”
This definition incorporates five key elements:
- Message
- Creation of Messages
- Interpretation of Messages
- A Relational Process
- Messages That Elicit a Response
Similarly, West and Turner define communication as a social process where individuals use symbols to establish and interpret meaning within their environment. Their definition emphasizes:
- Social
- Process
- Symbols
- Meaning
- Environment
In their book Human Communication, Pearson et al. (2003) define communication as “the process by which meaning is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” This definition effectively addresses the aspects discussed by Griffin, West, and Turner, offering a clear and straightforward description of the communication process.
In summary, communication can be understood as a social process of exchanging messages (information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings) between individuals using a common system of symbols to achieve mutual understanding. Communication transcends mere message exchange; it is fundamentally about sharing meaning.
Defining Communication.
The term “communication” derives from the Latin word communicare, which means to share or to make common (Weekley, 1967). Communication is often defined as the process of understanding and sharing meaning (Pearson & Nelson, 2000).
Central to our study of communication is the relationship involving interaction between participants. This definition highlights the importance of the process—an aspect we will explore in depth throughout this text—in understanding and effectively sharing another’s perspective.
The first key term in this definition is “process.” A process is a dynamic activity that evolves over time and is difficult to describe fully because it is subject to change (Pearson & Nelson, 2000). For example, consider a scenario where you are alone in your kitchen thinking. When someone you know, such as your mother, enters the kitchen and you engage in brief conversation, the dynamics of your interaction change. If another person, a stranger, joins and listens intently as if you were giving a speech, the situation changes again. Your perspective might shift, and you may become more mindful of your words. The feedback or response from your mother and the stranger—essentially your audience—can prompt you to reassess what you are conveying. This illustrates how various factors influence the communication process.
The second key term is “understanding.” According to McLean (2003), “To understand is to perceive, to interpret, and to relate our perception and interpretation to what we already know.” For instance, if a friend recounts a story about falling off a bike, the image that comes to mind may initially be unclear. However, if your friend then points out a motorcycle lying on the ground outside, you gain a clearer understanding of the story’s context. Understanding involves interpreting the words and the concepts or objects they reference as part of the communication process.
The next key term is “sharing.” Sharing involves engaging in an activity with one or more people or benefiting collectively from a resource. For example, sharing a joint task, such as compiling a report, or collectively enjoying a resource, like sharing a pizza with coworkers. In communication, sharing occurs when you convey thoughts, feelings, ideas, or insights to others. Intrapersonal communication, a form of sharing with oneself, involves bringing ideas to consciousness, reflecting on emotions, or solving a problem, often resulting in a moment of clarity.
Finally, “meaning” is what we aim to share through communication. The term “bike” can refer to either a bicycle or a motorcycle. By considering the context in which the term is used and asking clarifying questions, we can uncover the intended meaning and understand the message being conveyed.