Communication Definitions by Different Scholars:
The definition of communication varies depending on the perspective of the scholar and their area of expertise. Here are some examples:
Broad Definitions:
* Aristotle: "The art of persuasion." This definition focuses on communication's ability to influence others.
* Shannon & Weaver: "A process of information transmission from a source to a receiver." This definition emphasizes the technical aspects of communication, focusing on the transfer of information.
* Wood: "A complex process that involves creating and sharing meaning through symbolic interaction." This definition highlights the social and symbolic nature of communication.
Specific Fields of Communication:
* Interpersonal Communication: "The process of exchanging information, ideas, feelings, and meaning between two or more people through verbal and nonverbal messages." (Devito)
* Organizational Communication: "The process of exchanging information and meaning within and between organizations." (Miller)
* Mass Communication: "The process of creating and sharing messages with large audiences through various media." (Severin & Tankard)
Focus on Different Aspects:
* Lasswell: "Who says what to whom in what channel with what effect?" This model focuses on the key elements of the communication process.
* Berger & Calabrese: "The process of reducing uncertainty through verbal and nonverbal communication." This definition emphasizes the role of communication in building relationships.
* McLuhan: "The medium is the message." This statement highlights the influence of the communication channel on the message itself.
Modern Perspectives:
* Communication as a "constitutive process": Communication is not simply about transmitting information, but also about creating and shaping our social realities. (Fairhurst & Sarr)
* Communication as a "dialogical process": Communication involves a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives between participants, leading to shared understanding. (Buber)
Ultimately, the "best" definition of communication depends on the context and the specific aspect of communication that is being explored.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other scholars who have contributed to our understanding of communication.