Concept and Definition of Communication – Key Points 

What is Communication?

 The simplest form of communication could be defined as the process of exchange of dialogues between two or more person.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word (noun)- ‘Communis’ and the Latin verb ‘Communicare’ that means ‘to make common’.

What we exchange during communication-

1.  Ideas

2. Concepts,

3.  Opinions,

4.  Actions,

5.  Information,

6.  Experiences etc.

Therefore communication is not only an act rather it’s a process. It could be summarise that – “Communication is a process of sharing or exchange of ideas, information, knowledge, attitude or feeling among two or more persons through certain signs and symbols.”

 Some definitions-

Different scholars have described and defined the “Communication” in different ways-

1. 1.  Carl Hovland defines communication- “the process by which an individual (the communicator) transmits stimuli (usually verbal symbols) to modify the behaviour of the other individuals (Communicates).”

   2.  Denis Mc Quail says about communication that- it’s the sending of meaningful messages from one person to another. Mc Quail had given this explanation in linear terms of human communication means it covers only one dimension of communication that is exchange of thoughts and other kinds of information.

   3.  Oxford Dictionary defines communication as “The transfer or conveying meaning.”

   4.  Folarin (2003) defines communication – “Any means by which a thought is transferred from one person to another.”

   5.  Soola (2000) say that- “The process by which any person or a group shares and impacts information with/to another person (or group) so that both people (and groups) clearly understand one another.”

   6.  Colin Cherry sees communication as- “Transmission of Stimuli.”

   7.  Wilbur Schramm defines communication as- “The mechanism through which human relations exist and develop.”

   8.  Issac Ode (1999) explains communication as- “Not just giving of information, it is the giving of understandable information and receiving and therefore, the transferring of a message to another party so that it can be understood and acted upon.”

   9.  I.A. Richards defines communication as- “Communication is the exchange of meaning between individuals through a common system of symbols.”

   10. Claude Shannon says about communication that it is - “One mind affecting another.”