Lesson 1 & 2: Language & Communication PDF

Lesson 1: Language WHAT IS LANGUAGE: - Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols - Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which social group cooperates...

Lesson 1: Language WHAT IS LANGUAGE: - Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols - Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which social group cooperates - Language is a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements - Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE Language is arbitrary - the sense that there is no inherent relation between the words of a language and their meanings or the ideas conveyed by them. Language is social - this sense is a possession of a social group, comprising an indispensable set of rules which permits its members to relate to each other,to interact with each other, to cooperate with each other; it is a social institution. Language is symbolic - consists of various sound symbols and their graphological counterparts that are employed to denote some objects, occurrences meaning. Language is systematic - All languages have their system of arrangements. All languages have phonological and grammatical systems, and within a system there are several subsystems. Language is vocal - primarily made up of vocal sounds only produced by a physiological articulatory mechanism in the human body. Language is non-instinctive, conventional - the outcome of evolution and convention. Like all human institutions languages also change and die, grow and expand. Language is productive and creative - The structural elements of human language can be combined to produce new utterances, which neither the speaker nor his hearers may ever have made or heard before any listener, yet which both sides understand without difficulty. Language changes according to the needs of society. Language is a means of communication - Language is strong, convenient and the best form of communication. It is the best way to express everything. It is through language that we humans express our thoughts, desires, emotions and feelings. Lesson 2: Communication WHAT IS COMMUNICATION: - The word Communication describes the process of conveying messages (facts, ideas, attitudes and opinions) from one person to another,so that they are understood. - Communication is the process whereby speech, signs or actions transmit information from one person to another. - Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal andnon-verbal messages that produce a response. - In order for communication to be successful, the sender and receiver must have some signs, words or signals in common with each other so they send messages that can be understood. ELEMENTS OF THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS SENDER - The sender or the communicator generates the message and conveys it to the receiver. He is the source and the one who starts the communication. MESSAGE - It is the idea, information, view, fact, feeling, etc. that is generated by the sender and is then intended to be communicated further. ENCODING - The message generated by the sender is encoded symbolically such as in the form of words, pictures, gestures, etc. before it is being conveyed. MEDIA - It is the manner in which the encoded message is transmitted.The message may be transmitted orally or in writing. - The medium of communication includes telephone, internet, post, fax, e-mail, etc. The choice of medium is decided by the sender. DECODING - It is the process of converting the symbols encoded by the sender. After decoding the message is received by the receiver. RECEIVER - He is the person who is last in the chain and for whom the message was sent by the sender. - Once the receiver receives the message and understands it in proper perspective and acts according to the message, only then the purpose of communication is successful. FEEDBACK - Once the receiver confirms to the sender that he has received the message and understood it, the process of communication is complete. NOISE - It refers to any obstruction that is caused by the sender, message or receiver during the process of communication. - For example, bad telephone connection, faulty encoding, faulty decoding, inattentive receiver, poor understanding of messages due to prejudice or inappropriate gestures, etc. FACTORS AFFECTING COMMUNICATION PROCESS: Psychological factor - Communicator’s mood or feeling-- emotions. Cultural factor - Communicator’s values, beliefs and norms. Physical factor - Place, time and environmental conditions that make up the communication process. Social factor - Relationship between the communicators. Historical factor - Previous communication incidents between communicators. PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION Principle of Clarity - The idea or message to be communicated should be clearly spelt out. It should be worded in such a way that the receiver understands the same thing which the sender wants to convey. Principle of Attention - In order to make communication effective, the receiver’s attention should be drawn towards message. Principle of Feedback - There should be feedback information from the recipient to know whether he has understood the message in the same sense in which the sender has meant it. Principle of Informality - Formal communication is generally used for transmitting messages and other information. Sometimes formal setting cannot achieve the desired results, informal communication may prove effective in such situations Principle of Consistency - This principle states that communication should always be consistent with the policies, plans, programmes and objectives of the organization and not in conflict with them. Principle of Timeliness - This principle states that communication should be done at proper time so that it helps in implementing plans. Any delay in communication may not serve any purpose rather decisions become of historical importance only. Principle of Adequacy - The information communicated should be adequate and complete in all respects. Inadequate information may delay action and create confusion. - Inadequate information also affects efficiency of the receiver. So adequate information is essential for taking proper decisions and making action plans.