Communication Elements and Aragonese Medieval Chronicles

Communication Process

Communication is the process that produces a transmission of information between beings (human or not).

Elements of Communication

• Sender (Emisor): the originator of the message.
• Receiver: the recipient of the message.
• Message: the information transmitted.
• Code: a shared system of signs used to issue and interpret messages.
• Noise: anything that hinders the transmission or understanding of information.
• Channel: the physical medium that conveys the information.
• Context: the circumstances in which communication occurs.
• Feedback: the receiver's response to the sender.

Functions of Language

The main functions of language include:

• Referential: conveying ideas and referring to reality; explaining it.
• Expressive: expressing emotions and feelings.
• Conative (or Vocative): addressing the attention of the receiver to elicit a response.
• Phatic: checking the effectiveness of the channel and maintaining contact.
• Poetic: emphasizing aesthetic aspects and beauty of language.
• Metalinguistic: using language to talk about language itself.

Differences: Poet, Minstrel, Troubadour

Poets wrote in Latin and were dedicated to literary poetry. A troubadour composed both the lyrics and the music intended for performance and often used the conventions of courtly love. A minstrel was responsible for spreading compositions; minstrels performed and accompanied songs with instruments, disseminating the works in the courts of great lords.

Major Chronicles of Aragon

Four important medieval chronicles stand out in the Crown of Aragon tradition. Below are corrected descriptions of each text and their characteristics.

Chronicle of James I

Chronicle of James I contains the confessions of a ruler who speaks of his ancestors and recounts the conquest of Majorca and Valencia. Style: popular and improvised language; autobiographical tone with use of the majestic plural; a military and heroic spirit; and a sense of religious providentialism.

Book of King Peter (Bernat Desclot)

The Book of King Peter of Aragon was written by Bernat Desclot (an official of the royal court) and covers the reign of Peter II. Desclot's main merit lies in using many different sources without losing narrative coherence: songs, deeds, and documents. He demonstrates extensive knowledge of the foreign policy of the Crown of Aragon and of other European countries.

Ramon Muntaner Chronicle

Ramon Muntaner participated in the conquest of Minorca, fought against the French in Sicily, prepared the expedition to the East, and led almogàver missions. His chronicle—sometimes referred to as a very real account of the services of the kings of Aragon—features unconditional monarchism on the part of the author, religiosity and didactic moralizing reflections, violent and crude episodes, and detailed descriptions of battles. Characteristics: simple and direct language, the inclusion of minstrel songs to maintain interest, and the use of the first person.

Chronicle of Peter III

The Chronicle of Peter III consists of a foreword written by the author, six chapters, and an appendix; the first chapter is dedicated to his father. It was composed to justify his political actions. Style: elegant and solemn language; well-ordered syntax; long, balanced, and polished sentences; and an autobiographical tone.