r 1:

Communication, Processes, Principles, and Ethics

Lesson 1:
The Nature of Language and Communication
Communication is inevitable. Our need for self-expression leads us to communicate not only our thoughts but also our feelings.
Communication maybe done verbally or nonverbally. A simple yawn from a
member of the audience in a public speaking engagement is non- verbal
message sent to the speaker. On the other hand, phone call inquiring about a
certain product is an example of a verbal message. (Wakat, et al, 2018).

Communication is indeed part of our everyday living. The very fact that we
need to communicate when we are hungry for us to be able to have
something to eat is a proof that communication skill is a skill, we need to
develop in order to survive.

Hence, at the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. identify the nature, elements, and types of communication.
2. explain the communication process.
3. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different
communication types in various communication settings.

MOTIVATION:

What comes into your mind when you hear the word COMMUNICATION? Complete the word web by providing words which can
be associated with the word Communication. Write your answers on the blank ovals.
 • The system of word or signs that people use to express
thoughts and feelings to each other; any one of the systems of
human language that are used and understood by particular
group of people (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

• Linguists agree that a language can be called a language if it

has a system of rules (also known as grammar), a system of
sound (phonology), and a vocabulary (lexicon). These are the
requirements for identifying a means of communication as a
language. (Madrunio & Martin, 2018).

While growing up, people acquire the languages used by those in the
community. This is the process of language acquisition. The
languages acquired while growing up are known as mother tongue,
which may also be referred to as first language.

People discover later that other languages are needed for various
reasons. These other languages may be referred to as second
languages. People learn these languages by studying formally in
school or informally on their own. This is the process of language
learning.

Sometimes, we talk to people with a different speech community. They spell

words differently, pronounce words differently and they have different ways
of expressing the same concepts. Will we be able to communicate with
them? The answer is yes. Though it will be a challenge for us, we try to
understand each other and eventually communicate as we slowly learn each
other's languages. What is happening here is called language contact. The
result of such contact may be a new form of language. It is possible that
when we communicate with others whose language is different from ours, we produce a new language form that is
understandable to both of us. Our own language may also change as we constantly interact and communicate with
those with a different language. Thus, language change is the result of language contact.
 WHAT IS

• Communication is understood as the process of meaning-making through a channel or a medium. It comes from the Latin
“communicare”, meaning to share or to make ideas common, (Wakat, et al, 2018).

• Depending on what is being considered, communication as a term takes on

different contexts resulting in people having different views on
communication types. Since communication is generally defined as the
exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and views between or among two or
more people, various contexts come into play.

Context is the circumstance or environment in which

communication takes place. Such circumstance may include the physical
or actual setting, the value positions of a speaker/listener, focuses on certain
communication processes and even groupings of people that constitute
a communication situation (Madrunio & Martin, 2018).

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION (Wakat, et al, 2018).

1. Source- The sender carefully crafts the message. The sender may be anyone: an author of a book, a public speaker in a
special occasion or eve a traffic enforcer.

kk Chann
el

(A) Message
tit
Noise

response and to ask questions for clarification.

5. Feedback- A feedback is essential to confirm recipient understanding. Feedback, like messages, are expected in varied
forms. A simple nod for a question of verification I considered a feedback. Thus, feedback may be written, spoken or acted
out.

6. Environment- The place, the feeling, the mood, the mindset and the condition of both the sender and receiver are called
environment. The environment may involve the physical set-up of location where communication takes place, the space
occupied by both sender and the receiver, including the objects surrounding he sender and the receiver.

7. Context- This involves the expectations of the sender to the receiver and the common or shared understanding through
the environmental signals.

8. Interference- This is also known as barrier or block that prevents effective communication to take place.
Kinds of Interference
a. Physical barriers include competing stimulus, weather and climate, health and ignorance of the medium.
b. Psychological barriers are thoughts that hamper the message to be interpreted collectively by the receiver.
c. Cultural and linguistic barriers pertain to the language and its cultural environment. Words may mean another in different
cultures.
d. Mechanical barriers are those raised by the channels employed for interpersonal, group or mass communication. These
include cellphones, laptops and other gadgets used in communication.
 Physical Psychological Cultural/ Linguistic Environmental/
•Cognitive impairment /Personal •Language difference Social
•Physical challenges •Attitudes •Labelling •Practices and Beliefs
•Activity level
•Sensory impairment •Preconceptions •Religion
•Comfort level •Noise
•Speech impairment •Prejudices •Physical arrangement
•Resistance to change • Time

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO MODE

A message may be conveyed via these types: verbal—non-verbal and visual. Though communication is often thought of as verbal,
the non-verbal mode is equally essential as it enhances one's message.

1. Verbal or oral communication uses spoken words to communicate a

message. When most people think of verbal communication, they think of
speaking, but listening is an equally important skill for this type of
communication to be successful. Verbal communication is applicable to a
wide range of situations, ranging from informal office discussions to public
speeches made to thousands of people.

2. Non-verbal communication is the counterpart of verbal

communication. It includes other forms of transmission not represented by word symbols like
paralanguage (tone of voice, halting speech and others), body language,
object language, tactile or touch communication, time and space.

Effective communication calls for the blending of these two types. One
cannot be separated from the other.

3. Visual communication, on the other hand, is the type of

communication that uses visuals to convey information

and/or messages. Some examples are signs, symbols,
imagery, maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, pictographs,
photos, drawings or illustrations, and even various forms of
electronic communication. Some examples of electronic
communication symbols or images are the emojis,
emoticons, and animations among others to convey the
writer's emotions or clarify the intent of the message
sender. These are achieved through digital mode or text.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO CONTEXT

Context in communication is referred to as a composite of people

interacting with each other. Communication may also be classified
according to context:

1. INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

The Latin prefix intra-means within or inside. Intrapersonal

communication then is a communicator's internal use of
language or thought. It can be useful to envision intrapersonal
communication occurring in the mind of the individual in a
model which contains a sender, receiver, and feedback loop.
Some label it as self or inner talk, inner monologue, or inner
dialogue. Psychologists call it with other names such as self-
verbalization or self-statement.

Steps to attain interpersonal communication.

1) Self-awareness - knowing your strength and weaknesses.
2) Self-discovery - knowing that you were born special and all
individuals are unique.
3) Self-knowledge - knowing that you have talents/ traits
different from anybody.
4) Self-acceptance - knowing and
accepting your limitations.
5) Self-involvement - knowing that
you are now ready to face and embrace
the world because you already know
who you are.

2. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

As opposed to intra, the Latin

I share my feelings! prefix inter means between,
among, and together.
Interpersonal communication
is the process by which
people exchange information,
feelings, and meaning through
verbal and non-verbal
messages: it is face-to-face
communication. An
interactive exchange takes
place as interpersonal
communication takes place.

As it occurs, a transaction
does not necessarily take place since it can be a simple interaction
such as greetings, getting to know a person, or ordinary
conversations that happen between or among the interactants.
This may occur in dyads or small groups, also known as group
communication.

However, if the objective is to achieve something at the end of the

conversation, it becomes transactional.
Classification of Interpersonal Communication
a. Dyadic/Diadic - The term 'Dyadic communication', in general refers
to an interaction between two persons. Even if two groups are
present in a situation, it is only two communicators that play a
fundamental role. It is a person-to-person transaction and one of the
commonest forms of speech communications.

Reasons why people engage in dyadic communication.

1) To gain information
2) To gain employment
3) To highlight a person's achievement

b. Small group discussion- the sole purpose of small group discussion

is for the group to have cooperation or unity.

Common characteristics in small group discussion

1. Rabble- rouser- is a clever speaker who can persuade a group of
people to behave violently or aggressively, often for the
speaker's own political advantage. Feeds and stirs people's
emotions.
2. Poppyc
ock or garbage
talker - a person
who would talk
nonsense and
would frequently
ask off tangent
questions.
3. Surly jester- a
person that out of
boredom would
crack jokes in the
middle of
discussion.
4. Eternal minstrel - a person that has a good command of the language
and would monopolize the discussion not giving others the chance to talk or
participate.
5. Silent angel - a person that knows the topic being discussed but would
just keep quiet.
6. Acerbic biter- a person that would make faces in front of the speaker or
to anybody that would participate in the discussion.

Styles in interpersonal communication

a. Controlling style - is a form of one-way communication that is used
to direct others and gain their compliance.
b. Egalitarian style- the egalitarian style is a form two-way
communication that involves sharing
information rather than directing behavior. It is
used to stimulate others to express their ideas
and opinions in order to reach a mutual
understanding.
c. Structuring style- is used to establish schedules
or impose organization.
d. Dynamic style- is a high-energy approach that
uses inspirational pleas to motivate another
person to take action. This style can be effective
in crisis situations, but it is generally ineffective
when the receivers do not have enough
knowledge or experience to take the required
action.
e. Relinquishing style- is deferential rather than directive. It is highly
receptive to the ideas of others, to the point of shifting responsibility
for communication to the receiver.

3. EXTENDED COMMUNICATION
Extended communication involves the use of
electronic media. Before, it only called for the use
of television and radio but nowadays, the
description of extended communication may be
expanded as to include tele, audio, or phone
conferencing; video conferencing; Skype calls, and
other technological means.

With the use of electronic media, messages are

transmitted quickly. For instance, with the use of
the Internet, recorded videos may be transmitted in seconds/ minutes
and may be viewed by a greater number of people. With extended
communication, your own thinking, behavior, and attitude may be
influenced by other people and you may be persuaded to take the views
you hear. It is important then that you weigh what you hear and assess
them against those beliefs that you hold on to, so you do not get easily
swayed by other people's convictions.
4. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

The focus is on the role that communication

plays in organizational contexts. A set of rules
or standards for communication protocol
should be made clear so that interaction
patterns are established. On the part of the
individual, you should be equipped with the
needed oral and written communication skills
that the organization expects you to possess.

Two Types of Organizational Structure:

1. Formal structure - allows communication to take place via designated channels of message flow between
positions in the organization.

Approaches on Formal Organizational Communication.

a) Downward communication
i) is the type that flows from upper to lower
positions, i.e., from the president to a manager or
supervisor, or from a manager to an ordinary Downward
staff. The flow of communication is top-down or Communication
from a supervisor to a subordinate, usually Is the type of communication
that flows from upper to lower

asking certain individuals to do a certain task.

ii) It can take any form: memos, notices, face to face
interactions, or telephone conversations.
iii) Such communication increases awareness about
the organization among employees.
iv) It flows down the chain of command. When
managers inform, instruct, advise, or request
their subordinates, the communication flows in a
downward pattern.

b) Upward communication
i. on the other hand, is bottom-up in which
subordinates send communication to
their superiors/ bosses bearing their
Upward
view/feedback on organizational policies,
C ommunication
issues related to their jobs, and the like.
• communication
ii. It keeps managers aware of how refers to that form
of communication
employee feel about their jobs and the that flows from
organization in general. It also helps them bottom to top.
to make certain decisions or solving some
problems which concern the organization.
iii. Suggestion boxes, Employee Attitude
Surveys, Review Reports etc.
 c) Horizontal/ Lateral communication
i. is lateral in approach as it takes place among
people belonging to the same level but coming from
different departments or units to facilitate
performance of tasks through proper
coordination.
ii. Such communication is often necessary to
facilitate coordination, save time and bridge the
communication gap among various departments.
iii. It is very vital for the growth of an organization as it
builds cooperation among the employees as well as
various branches.

d) Crosswise approach
i. is diagonal in nature as employees from different units
or departments flows in all directions and cuts across
functions & levels in an organization.
ii. When a sales manager communicates directly with the VP
(Production) who is not only in a different division but also
at a higher level.
iii. Though It deviates from the normal chain of
command, there is no doubt that its quick &
efficient.

2. Informal communication, on the other hand, comes from

unofficial channels of message flow. Also known as “grapevine”, messages coming from the different levels of organizations are
transmitted.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

It is communication between or among people having different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and professional
backgrounds. Even gender difference affects communication. Individuals having different orientations communicate and
interpret messages differently. This particularly happens with non-verbal communication.

Each organization has its own culture. This is

referred to as organizational culture.
Organizational culture is of utmost significance
since it will dictate the kind of behavior that
employees should possess as well as the extent of
commitment expected from them by the
organization. They all share in the values,
practices, vision, and mission of the organization.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO PURPOSE AND STYLE

The types of communication in relation to purpose and style are formal and informal. However, rather than
focusing on the transmission of message and message flow, the focus here is on the communication setting and the
mode of delivery.

• Formal communication employs formal language delivery orally or in written form. Lectures, public
talks/speeches. research and project proposals, reports, and business letters among others are all
considered formal situations and writings. Note that while lectures and speeches are delivered orally, the
texts have been thought out carefully and written well before they are delivered. To inform, to entertain,
and to persuade are the main objectives of the type of communication.

• Informal communication certainly does not employ formal language. It involves personal and ordinary
conversations with friends, family members, or acquaintances about anything under sun. The mode may be
oral as in face-to-face, ordinary or everyday talks and phone calls, or written as in the case of e-mail
messages, personal notes, letters, or text messages. The purpose is simply to socialize and enhance
relationships.

APPLICATION:

Create a one-act role-playing script employing the different types of communication. Enclose the appropriate non-
verbal communication (gestures, hand movement, facial expressions, etc.) in the parentheses that best support the
lines (verbal communication). Please see the example script below for reference.

Actor 1: Hi! (Waving his hand) Are you the new exchange student from America?
Actor 2: Yes, I am. By the way, I'm Johnson (Extending his right hand for a handshake).
Actor 1: Nice to meet you Johnson. I am Mathew. (Both are shaking hands).
The Bell rings...
Actor 1: It's already time for our first class. Nice to meet you again, Johnson. (tapping the shoulders of Johnson).
See you around.
Actor 2: Sure! (Replying with a smile).
(Note: Please lengthen your work for a more vivid depiction of your chosen scenario)
Be creative. These criteria shall apply.
Criteria:
Content (Depiction of Types of Communication) 50%
Creativity and appropriateness of the situation 50%
Total 100%