• The Complexities of Human Interaction (Language and Communication)
"Ed" "De"
E
D
D
E
Noise Context
Channel
Messages
MEANING
MEANING MEANING
MEANING
encode transmit receive decode
decode receive transmit encode
Communication is complicated by language codes:
oEncoding – coding meanings into symbols
oTransmitting – sending coded message via selected channel
oReceiving – discerning coded message from its channel
oDecoding – translating coded message into meaning
Communication is complicated by interfering noise:
oNoise originates from the mind – psychological noise
oNoise originates from the body – physiological noise
oNoise originates from the setting – environmental noise
Communication is complicated by context:
oVarying backgrounds, experiences, and cultures of each
communicator
oType of relationship and various relational expectations existing
between communicators
oInfluencing characteristics of the situation (preceding, present, and
subsequent events) and setting (physical location)
MISCOMMUNICATING AND MISUNDERSTANDING
Language, Messages, and Meanings in Communication
• Characteristics of Language Codes
The set of symbols shared by a community
Exchanged through messages of packaged symbols
Serves to facilitate shared meanings in the minds of users
Reductionistic – always reduces (imperfectly represents) meanings
MESSAGE
INTERPRETER
MEANING MEANING
Ogden & Richard's Triangles of Meaning
Ed De
(communicator) (communicator)
INTERPRETER
(referent) (referent)(symbol)
• Messages, Meanings, and Misunderstanding
Messages move outside people, while meanings remain inside people:
oMeanings are in messengers, NOT in messages
oMessages may have intended or implied meanings, but NOT
inherent meanings
oMessages are NOT like presents – received messages are empty
and must be supplied with meaning by the receiver
Expecting others to fully understand is unrealistic – beware of
unrealistic expectations for exact or complete understanding:
o“That’s not what I said”
o“Listen to what I say”
Understanding is a shared responsibility that takes mutual effort:
oWork hard at expressing meaning and frequently seek feedback –
“How are you understanding what I said?”
oWork hard at listening for meaning and frequently offer feedback –
“Here’s how I am understanding what you said.”
oFor important messages, follow up lean modes (written memos,
email, or texts) with rich modes (F2F, Skype, or phone)
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