Elements of Communication

Communication and its Elements

• Communication is the process of exchanging messages with a specific purpose.
• A communication situation includes a sender, receiver, channel, message, and code.
• The channel can be voice, air, paper, internet, telephone, radio, television, etc.
• The message is constructed from signs and rules forming a shared code between communicators.

Current Forms of Communication

• Communication is a dynamic process evolving with society.
• Technological advances have created new communication channels like chats and social networks.
• These channels influence message characteristics, sender/receiver roles, and coding methods.
• Modern communication features:
  • Ubiquity and instant access to information worldwide.
  • Fluid roles between sender and receiver.
  • Combined verbal and nonverbal language, using emojis for gestures or tone.
  • Essential for knowledge and idea sharing, making communication skills crucial.

Communication Skills for Effectiveness

• Objective setting: Clearly define the goal of the message, e.g., informing or persuading.
• Assertiveness: Express opinions respectfully, even on controversial topics.
• Receiver awareness: Understand the other person's perspective to adapt communication effectively.
• Active listening: Pay attention to the response and adjust the message accordingly.

The Structure of Words

• Words are groups of sounds with meaning.
• In written language, words are represented as letter combinations separated by spaces or punctuation marks.
• They differ in meaning, form, and function.
• Grammatical categories include nouns, adjectives, determiners, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions.

Morphemes

• Morphemes are the smallest meaningful units composing a word.
• There are two main types of morphemes: roots (lexemes) and affixes (inflectional or derivational).
• The root is the part of the word carrying the main meaning.
• Inflectional affixes are added to the root to express gender, number, person, tense, etc.
  • Examples: feminine gender (-a), plural number (-s).
  • Verb inflectional affixes are called endings.
• Derivational affixes are added to a word or root to form a new, distinct word.
• Words resulting from combining a root with an inflectional affix are forms of the same word (e.g., wolf, wolves).
• Words accepting inflectional affixes are variable (e.g., sports, loving).
• Words not accepting inflectional affixes are invariable (e.g., according to, there).

Derivation

• Derivation is the formation of new words from existing ones.

Word Classes and Affix Types

• Affixes are either prefixes or suffixes.

Prefixes

• Added to the beginning of a word (dis-courage, re-place).
• Contribute different meanings: negativity, opposition (un-kind, useless, unhygienic); situation (international, intermission, extracurricular, submarine); time (postgraduate, prejudice); repetition (relocate, rethink).

Suffixes

• Added to the end of a word (care-ful, ability, weak-ish).
• Often change the category of the original word.
• Types:
  • Suffixes forming nouns: clumsiness, concern, ambiguity, revenge, trapeze artist...
  • Suffixes forming adjectives: admirable, ingenious, reddish, from Almeria...
  • Suffixes forming verbs: simplify, caricature, blossom...

Derivation and Composition

• Derivation and composition are two main word formation processes.

Derived Words

• Derived words are formed by adding an affix (prefix or suffix) to an existing word (e.g., incapable (prefix in- + capable), flower vase (word flower + suffix -vase)).

Compound Words

• Compound words consist of more than one root.
• Types:
  • Adjective + Adjective: high-low
  • Verb + Noun: snow remover

Parasynthesis

• Occurs when a prefix and a suffix are added to a root simultaneously.
• Example: clear (doesn't exist), but clarify is a valid word.

This quiz explores the essential elements of communication, including the roles of sender, receiver, and various channels. It also examines modern communication forms influenced by technological advancements, such as social networks and instant messaging. Understanding these concepts is vital for effective communication in today's interconnected world.