Human and Non-Human Communication: Types and Elements

Communication: Types, Elements, and Forms

Communication: A process by which a transmitter sends a message to a receiver through a channel using a shared code.

Types of Communication

• Human Communication: Occurs between human beings. It is categorized as:
  • Verbal: Oral (direct) or gestural (direct).
  • Nonverbal: Written.
• Non-Human Communication: Includes virtual communication and social networking.

Elements of Communication

1. Sender: The entity (person, organization, etc.) that chooses and selects the appropriate signs to convey their message, performing the encoding so it is understandable to the recipient.
2. Receiver: The entity (person, organization, etc.) to which the message is intended. The receiver performs the reverse process of the sender, decoding and interpreting what the sender wants to communicate.
3. Message: The content of the information; the set of ideas and sentiments expressed by the sender.
4. Channel: The medium through which information is transmitted, establishing a connection between the sender and receiver.
5. Referent: Everything that is described by the message.
6. Context: The time and place where the act of communication occurs.
7. Code: A set of oral and written signs that make up a complete system. Code is synonymous with language.

Forms of Communication: Conversations and Discussions

1. Conversation: A dialogue between two or more people. There are two types:
   • Spontaneous Conversation: Used daily and is not subject to rules.
   • Formal Conversation: Uses rules. It is widely used in dynamic group settings.
2. Discussion: A study technique used to treat a subject of interest to the group, allowing for a wide range of viewpoints without clinging to one's own.
   • Structured: When discussing a previously selected topic and following a set of rules for its implementation.
   • Unstructured: When discussing a subject spontaneously.

Rules for Discussion

• Select a topic.
• Find information.
• Master the subject.
• Choose a coordinator and a secretary.

Regionalism, Slang, Jargon, and Speaking

• Regionalism: The different languages or varieties that occur in a region or country in the pronunciation and intonation of words. Example: Maracucha speech.
• Slang: Variants of speech used by the uneducated classes.
• Jargon: Terms used by young people in a class, middle, or lower class.
• Speaking: The art of using words; it is also a form of interpersonal communication through which a person uses a set of attitudes.

Features of Speaking

• Subject domain
• Fluency
• Simplicity
• Clarity
• Consistency
• Honesty
• Elegance
• Self-confidence