Human Communication Definition

Human Communication is the way information can be transmitted between two people or more, and how they interact and communicate with each other. In the process of information transmission, people may use different accents, sounds and gestures; at the same time, they may use different means and methods called the components of human communication.

The components of human communication are divided into two categories: 

1.Verbal means come in a form of speaking, volume, and tone. 2. Non-verbal means illustrate physical elements such as a body language, eye language, sign language, facial expression, writing, and many others. However, there are many skills based on level of personal aptitude make the process of communication more success such as observing emotions, analysis situations, finding relationships, discovering rational causes. Moreover, there are other factors may enhance the process of communication such as using common language, taking a right direction, understanding educational and cultural situations. These components assist people to convey their information, knowledge, context and meaning. “Human beings always represent reality symbolically… We can never “view” reality purely. Instead, we must use a set of concepts and symbols to define what we see.” Consequently, these components would lead to an obvious understanding and could make any message received by a receiver more accurate, clear and comprehensible. (Wikipedia).

However, human communication has many characterizations, and it is hard to find a standard definition. “The continuing problem in defining communication for scholarly or scientific purposes stems from the fact that the verb ‘to communicate’ is well established in the common lexicon and therefore is not easily captured for scientific use. Indeed, it is one of the most overworked terms in the English language.” Human communication has been defined as a dynamic concept by most researchers and scholars. They have found distinct explanations of human communication derived from their perception, view and field of study.

After all, human communication has countless definitions and concepts describe many ways and methods in conveying information among people. The variety of definitions has found different theories, perspectives, and views. “While there is not a right or wrong perspective, choices regarding [definitions] are not trivial. These perspectives launch scholars down different theoretical trajectories, predispose them to ask distinct questions, and set them up to conduct kinds of communication studies.”

References:

*Bernard Berelson and Gary Steiner, Human Behavior (New York: Harcourt, Brace, & World, 1964), p.254.

*Dr.Gillette Class on August 25, 2008. At the Center for Information and Communication Sciences, Ball State University.

*Litlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (2005). Theories of Human Communication. Thomson. pp. 4-5.

*Theodore Clevenger, Jr., “Can One Not Communicate? A Conflict of Models,” Communication Studies 42(1991):351.

*Peter A. Andersen, “What One Cannot Not Communicate: A Challenge to Motley’s Traditional Communication Postulates,” Communication Studies 42 (1991): 309.