Analyzing the Basics (8/30)

Communication as a whole has gone through many changes throughout human history. Different generations have invented new standards as to how people transmit information between each other, each standard building upon the last. But whether you’re talking about telegrams or text messages, the fundamentals and foundations of communication have always remained relatively the same. Chapter 1 of Survey of Communication Study shows visual graphs that demonstrate the definition of communication. It’s the transmission of information between people, usually one sender and one receiver. And because humans are such a developed species, communication also relies on outside contexts such as social, relational, cultural, and psychological/physical contexts. This is quite unique to humans, as we have the ability to engage in communication with an encyclopedic brain that already grasps understanding of person to person interaction. We understand the rulebook, and we can use our experience to communicate with others more effectively. For example, if someone mentions the passing of a loved one, the receiver can use their past experiences to guide them on how to best respond to such troubling news.