Communication and Meaning

Study Notes

Communication involves sharing and negotiating meaning between people.
Messages can have multiple meanings, and misinterpretation can occur when people from different cultural backgrounds assume the intended meaning.

Communication is a dynamic, ongoing process that involves both senders and receivers simultaneously.
Communicators create, maintain, or share meanings through verbal and nonverbal messages.

Communication does not have to be intentional; important messages can be sent unintentionally.
Cultural differences can lead to unintended insults or miscommunications, as seen in the example of an American businessman in Saudi Arabia.

The person who assigns meaning to a message determines the outcome of the communication situation.
The receiver's interpretation holds more weight than the sender's intended meaning.

Harold Lasswell's model: Who? Says what? Through which channel? To whom? With what effect?
Osgood and Schramm's model: Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, Feedback
Schramm's Model of Mass Communication: Media, Channels

Words and gestures have no inherent meaning; they are significant because people agree on their meaning.
Symbolic meanings are conveyed verbally and nonverbally, and involve shared meanings.

Living in a heterogeneous society provides a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures.
It fosters tolerance and understanding among people from different cultural backgrounds.

Japan: Refusing a gift once before accepting it, and using both hands to accept.
Israel: Bringing a book as a gift when visiting a home.
Spain: Placing utensils together on the plate after a meal.
Thailand: Using the wai greeting, holding hands together at the chest and giving a light bow.
Kenya: Using the whole hand instead of pointing with the index finger.
China: Using both hands when passing gifts or food.
Germany: Banging fists on the table to show appreciation.