The Fundamentals of Human Communication Processes

The Nature of Communication

Communication is the process by which information is transmitted from one entity to another. Communication processes are sign-mediated interactions between at least two agents who share the same repertoire of signs and have common semiotic rules.

Traditionally, communication has been defined as "the exchange of feelings, opinions, or any other information by speech, writing, or other signs." All forms of communication require a sender, a message, and an intended receiver; however, the receiver need not be present or aware of the communicative intent by the issuer for the act of communication to take place. In the communication process, information is packaged by the sender and forwarded to the receiver through a medium. Once received, the receiver decodes the message and provides an answer.

The Role of Communication in Society

The functioning of human societies is made possible through communication. This is the fundamental exchange of messages between individuals.

Technical Perspectives on Information Transfer

From a technical point of view, communication is understood as a particular message originating at point A reaching another given point B, separated by space or time. Communication involves the transmission of specific information. As a process, the essential items involved are:

The Code

The code is a system of signs and rules for combining them. This system is often arbitrary and must be prearranged between parties.

The Channel

The communication process requires a channel (or canal) for the transmission of signals. The channel is the physical environment through which communication is transmitted.

• Example: The air in the case of voice and sound waves.
• Terrestrial Television: Signals sent through the atmosphere.
• Radio: A telecommunication system that operates through radio waves.

The Issuer (Sender)

The issuer is the person responsible for transmitting the message. This person chooses and selects the signs they agree upon, performing an encoding process to create the message.

The Recipient (Receiver)

The recipient is the person to whom the communication is directed. They conduct a reverse process to the issuer, decoding and interpreting the signs chosen by the sender.

The Message

Naturally, there must be something to communicate. The content and the process, along with the implications of the previous issues, motivate the message.

Situational Context

The circumstances surrounding an act of communication are called the situational context (situation). This is the environment in which the message is transmitted, which contributes significantly to its meaning.