Module Details

Subject Coordinator DR. D. Harichandan

Paper Coordinator DR. Sally Enos.
Content Writer Dr. T.A. James
Content Reviewer DR. Latha Venkataraman
Subject Name Adult Education
Paper Name Communication Technology
Module Name/Title Meaning and Importance of Communication.
Module Id AE/CT/02
Objectives  Recognize their responsibilities to
their community, society, and
profession based on various
perspectives and associated standards
of communication.
 Demonstrate ability to understand the
meaning and importance of
communication critically.
 To understand the various definitions
of communication.
 Recognize the need to know the
history and origin of language and
communication.
 Demonstrate the ability to understand
the concept and scope of
communication.
Module -2 Unit Structure.
2.1 Introduction to Communication.
2.2 Origin of Communication.
2.3 Communication - Definition and Meaning.
2.4 Concept of Communication.
2.5 The scope of Communication.
i. Audience Scope.
ii. Subject Scope.
2.6 Nature of Communication.
2.7 Principles of Communication.
2.8 Importance of Communication
I. Importance of Communication at the work place.
II. Importance of Communication in Leadership
III. Importance Communication in relationship.
2.9 Need for Communication.
i. for transfer of ideas
ii. for interaction with the society
iii. for education.
iv. for entertainment
v. to understand the world
Let us sum up.
2.10 Summary

2:1 Introduction to Communication

Communication is a means by which to understand mutually and to exchange ideas,
information and even feelings of each other verbally. In short communication helps in
building a bridge between people and places. The growth and popularity of any organization
today depends on its ability to communicate effectively with the world.

We can further proceed to define communication from what we have seen above. To
communicate means to share ideas and thoughts and to participate in a conversation or
dialogue. The dictionaries define communication as ‘the transmission of a message or
information by speaking or writing.’ Another dictionary meaning of communication is that
of exchanging information, signals, messages by talk or gestures or writing. Various other
dictionaries say that communication is a discourse and a social intercourse. The word
communication today has a wider and much more uses. It is indeed difficult to be precise
with the meaning of communication as it has a wider scope.

Therefore communication is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or

messages through proper media, enabling individuals or groups of people to persuade, to seek
information, to give information or to express emotions.
2.2 Origin of Communication

No one exactly knows how many languages there are in the world, as it is difficult distinguish
between a language and a sub-language (or dialects within it). One authoritative source that
has collected data from all over the world, The Ethnologue, listed the total number of
languages as 6809.

The Bible’s explanation of the origin of multiple human languages is provided in the Tower
of Babel incident recorded in Genesis 11:1-9 (see Figure 1). Scripture simply and
confidently asserts: ‘Now the whole earth had one language and one speech’ (11:1). When
Noah and his family stepped off the ark, they spoke a single language that was passed on to
their offspring. As the population increased, it apparently remained localized in a single
geographical region. Consequently, little or no linguistic variation ensued. But when a
generation defiantly rejected God’s instructions to scatter over the planet, God miraculously
intervened and initiated the major language groupings of the human race. This action forced
the population to proceed with God’s original intention to inhabit the Earth (cf. Isaiah 45:18)
by clustering according to shared languages. Duursma correctly noted: ‘The Babel account
suggests that several languages came into existence on that day. It is presented as a
miraculous intervention by God.’

This depiction of the origin of languages

coincides with the present status of these
languages. The linguistic evidence given
does not support the model postulated by
evolutionary sources for the origin of
languages. The present day linguists believe
that all human languages have descended
from a single, primitive language, which
itself evolved from the grunts and noises of
the lower animals. It is said that languages
accidently originated as the pre-historic
people were passing stones to attack the Figure 1. Peter Breugel (1525-1569) oil
animals, it accidently fell on one person and painting (1563) of the Tower of Babel
he produced a peculiar noise and that gave
interest to the other people in the group and they started throwing stones at each other to get
different cries and howls of people. It was from these cries and howls of people that slowly
language evolved gradually. It would be really interesting if we got into a time machine and
travelled back to history to find out how our ancestors learned and managed to communicate
in the pre-historic times.

We have at the moment no clue of what the next 10 years will bring. It is a thought that we've
put out there, with the possibilities unfurling as we go on with our respective lives. Every
day, we hear or read about something new in the market that will make communicating with
one another faster, better, more efficient, and above all, an experience to remember.
 We indeed have come a long way and upgraded our systems, changed our technological
preferences. The technological power is a mammoth subject to review, but we've all seen it
evolve and change over the years, making us appreciate the genius that man is. Back in the
days, when man was busy carving and painting walls, he would have never imagined his
world evolving to such levels of complexity in communication. It's amazing and a true
marvel to see how communication methods have changed.

2.3 Communication - Definition and Meaning

Meaning of Communication

Man is a social animal and he communicates with each other through speech and gestures,
whereas animals, birds, insects and even plants communicate through sounds, sense organs
and movements.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word 'Communis' which means to make
common, to transmit to impart or to share between two or more persons or groups.”
Communication is the natural aspect of man's life. Communication is as old as human, human
being himself starts communicating from birth. When a baby cries, we know that it is
communicating its need for attention or milk, when it gurgles (happy) it is expressing its
sense of satisfaction.

A society cannot survive without communication. Every human person has always tried to
share his thoughts, experiences and feelings with others. We reach our goals according to our
ability to communicate effectively. Thus communication is the basis of all Socio-economic,
Political and Cultural activities.

Definitions of Communication
According to W.H. Newman and C.F. Sumer Jr., the definition of communication is the
following: “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinion or emotions by two or
more persons.”

According to Keith Davis the definition of communication is: “Communication is the

process of passing information and understanding - from one person to another.”

According to Peter Little, the definition of communication is:

1. “A Process
2. Information transmitted between individuals and organizations,
3. Ensures an understanding response from the receiver of the communication”.
Thus: Communication is Transmission of information + Reception + understanding
Response.
Koontz and 0' Donnell defines communication as: ‘Communication is a two-way activity.
There is a communicator and the receiver of communication. Exchange implies reception and
response from the receiver to ideas, emotions and opinions of communicator.’

2:4. Concept of Communication:

There cannot be anyone living in a society without communicating with others. A society ex-
communicates a person if he or she does not follow the norms of the society. Whenever we
imprison someone we are separating that person from other social beings in order to punish
him.We in fact do not allow him or prevent him from communicating with other members in
the society.

All of us have started communicating from our birth. We all know that when a baby cries it is
communicating its need for attention or milk, when it gurgles or croons it is expressing its
sense of satisfaction. Communication is not however the monopoly of humans alone.
Animals and sometimes inanimate objects, in a very broad sense, also communicate. A
watch dog that growls at an intruder or the alarm clock that wakes you up in the morning -
both convey definite messages which are understood. Any transmission of a meaningful
message, which is understood, is communication.

We recognize that when a message is sent out it becomes communication only when it is
understood, acknowledged, reacted to or replied to by the receiving party. If a radio message
is beamed to Mars or to the moon it does not become communication unless there is someone
there to receive the message and understand it. Similarly a person talking in Marathi to a
person who only understands Tamil cannot be said to be communicating. When the Marathi
speaking person, however, shakes hands with the Tamil knowing person, he can be said to be
communicating, for shaking hands is the universally recognized gesture of friendship. This
brings us to another aspect of human communication, namely, that communication need not
be by words ( spoken or written) only, but can be by actions, body language, dress, gestures,
secret codes, signals, facial expressions and even by silence.

2:5. The Scope of Communication

The word scope of communication refers to the sphere of operation of communication. It is
essential for the sender to understand the scope, and for the recipient to understand the
purpose of the communication. If these understandings do not exist, then there is little chance
of the communication being effective. Additionally, although the recipient who must
understand the purpose, it is the responsibility of the communicator to ensure that the purpose
is clearly identified.

There are two aspects to this: 'audience scope' and 'subject scope'.

(i) Audience scope

The audience scope refers to the intended group for whom it is communicated. It will clearly
indicate the target audience of communication. This target audience will allow the recipient
to decide "Is this communication intended for me?” It will also help and allow the
communicator to tailor the communication (especially the language used) to the particular
needs of the audience.

Often, it happens that the communication is targeted to a specific audience and it loses its
charm in every aspect. It should be aimed at a particular group of people or the users of a
particular product.The communication should not be in general but it should identify a group
or a specified product.

(ii) Subject scope

The subject scope of communication further ascertain whether a communication contains

information that they need to know, or that they may be looking for, a communication should
always clearly identify the subject scope of the communication. The subject scope is a
specification of the information covered by the communication. For example, if a document
provides instructions for changing a printer cartridge, it would be wise to specify the models
to which the instructions apply.

2.6 Nature of communication

Communication is understood to have an exchange of ideas or passing on information from
one person to the other. It is always found that very often communication is unsuccessful. We
can thus very well see that the communication process is often very complex. The success of
communication depends on such factors as the nature of the message, how an audience
interprets the message, and the environment in which the message is received. The receiver’s
understanding of the source and the medium used to transmit the message may also affect the
ability to communicate, as do many other factors. The factors such as words, pictures,
sounds, and colors may have different meanings to different audiences, and people’s
perceptions and interpretations of them vary depending on their culture, place and language.

As we all know language of course is one of the major barriers to effective communication.
There are many countries in the world with multiple languages and dialects and therefore the
nature of communication is really complex
2.7 Principles of Communication
1. There should be absolute clarity in the communication so that the receiver can fully
comprehend what the communicator intends to covey.

2. There should always be an essential aspect of trust among the senders of communication
and the receivers of communication.

3. In communication it is realized that the Informal communication is usually more effective

than formal communication. Formal communication seems more professional in an industrial
setting; it has a lower compliance factor compared to an informal communication. It is found
for example, a student is likely to pay more attention in a small, informal classroom
compared to a large formal lecture hall.

4. While communicating the receiver is expected to stay very attentive when the message is
being communicated. Good attention is an essential factor in communication. It will lead to
better understanding of the message, hence a better outcome.

5. It should be consistent with the overall plans of an organization. In every sense

communication must flow parallel to the policies, plans, programmes, etc. of the
organization. Inconsistent communication may lead to costly misunderstandings.

6. While communicating the information should be complete and comprehensible.

Information that is not complete may lead to loss of time and money, and may develop
misunderstandings.

7. Communication must be given out at the proper time and appropriate place. The
communication that is given late may lead to late reactions from the receiver, causing the
entire process to be set behind in time.

8. Always try to receive feedback from the receiver in order to ensure clear communication.
The feedback will help the sender that the information he/she is trying to send has been
received well by the listener.

9. There should be an effective communication network established within an organization.

This will ensure that information reaches the target in the original form.

2.8. Importance of Communication

Communication is an integral part of our very existence in the society. Speaking, listening
and understanding are various aspects of communication. Those who can communicate
effectively will surely succeed in the society. Even gestures in communication play a crucial
role in conveying and interpreting the message. Similarly, how we communicate or express
ourselves goes a great way towards determining our importance in the very society we live.
To quote Karl Popper, "It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be
misunderstood". Faulty or incomplete communication can completely ruin the purpose of
communicating and may result in damaging consequences. The gift of communicating well is
not every one is endowed with. We really need to make an effort to be a good communicator.
Communicating the essential way is very important in every walk of life. Let us look at
certain areas where right communication matters in life.

(i) Importance of Communication in the Workplace

Communicating the right way in the work place is as important as the work one does. If
proper and suitable communication is not happening in a work place surely that organization
or institution will not grow in the right proposition. It is really difficult part of running an
organization is managing the human resources. We really need to manage human resource
with great dexterity to reach the optimum goal. Communication is the means by which we
keep this resource moving throughout the organizational machinery. The work place
communication helps one to interact with his superior, his sub ordinates, his colleagues and
all the other people with whom that he comes into contact.

(ii)Importance of Communication in Leadership

A leader who does not communicate well will surely see his down fall at the earliest. A leader
is the one who can motivate his followers and encourage them to bring out the best in them,
Only through communication he can achieve this and it is the best equipment a leader can
employ to achieve this goal. A person of exemplary character with good communication
skills will make a good leader. In history we have great examples of many national leaders
who have moved the masses by their life-changing speeches and powerful writings!

Significance of Communication in Relationships

We as social beings need to communicate effectively to have good relationships. The
significance of relationship in communication is an essential ingredient. If there is lack of
communication that will lead to road blocks and obstacles in our relationships and these
blocks can be effortlessly removed only through communication.In the absence of
communication in relationships, there will be frustrations, misunderstandings, unrealistic
expectations, guilt and can create personal differences. It is difficult for people who share
their lives with each other to coexist for long without having regular and smooth
communication.

As we all know that the significance of communication cannot and should not be
underestimated. It is only through communication that we can resolve many issues and
frustrations in life. By talking to each other face to face, many impending disasters in life and
relationship can be averted. All we require is some effort on our part to identify and avoid
barriers to effective communication to make our lives and the lives of those around us better.
2.9 Need for Communication
A human baby starts to communicate when it produces the first noise by attracting its
parents. Every expression of like and dislike, anger and happiness etc are our ways of
communicating to people around us. It is essential to have communication in every society
for its growth and development. Communication will help us to learn, to teach, to make
friendship and to maintain them. The modern world requires more of communicating
individuals rather than intellectuals. The great need for communication has made man to use
the best of technology for developing communication gadgets more than anything else. The
communicative technologies in the world have increased in great number, but also in speed,
accuracy and clarity. We will take a closer look and make an in-depth analysis of need of
communication in the modern world.

(i) For Transfer of Ideas

Communication helps in transferring ideas from person to person. Inventions and discoveries
are possible mainly because of this transfer of ideas.These ideas can be implemented in real
life and can turn into major creations too. Communication is the only means of transferring
these ideas and plans.

(ii) For Interacting with Society

Every moment of our lives we need to interact with our friends, relatives and other living
things around us. We use communication to interact and to grow in wisdom and
knowledge.Communication thus helps us to be different than the other living things and
makes a great difference in our lives.

(iii) For Education

In order to educate we need to we need to exchange our ideas and tell them the various study
materials that are available to them. In educating the students we use materials that are in the
form of audios, videos and lectures done through communication.

(iv) To Update Oneself

Communication is used for updating oneself. We can give the present day knowledge though
the written and oral communication given through books, magazines and new papers etc.
Only by means of latest communication channels we come to know of the current affairs in
the world.

(v) For Entertainment

The means of communication in the forms of Television, Radio, internet, theatre and cinema
give us entertainment and information.
(vi) To Understand the World
Communication in every way helps us to understand the world with all its complexities. We
really need to communicate to the world in our own way and need to derive what is essential
for us. We come to know of the treasures of knowledge in the world only through means of
communication.

2.10 Let us sum up

Communication is a means of connecting people or places. The exact meaning of the word
communication is to share, or to participate.
Many evolutionary linguists believe that all human languages have descended from a single,
primitive language, which itself evolved from grunts and noises of the lower animals.
The word communication is derived from the Latin word 'Communis' which means to make
common, to transmit to impart or to share between two or more persons or groups.”
Communication is the natural aspect of man's life. Communication is as old as human, human
being himself starts communicating from birth. When a baby cries it is communicating its
need for attention or milk, when it gurgles (happily) it is expressing its sense of satisfaction
The scope of communication refers effectively to the sphere of operation of communication.
It mainly has two scopes such as subject scope and audience scope. The nature of
communication is related to human activity and it needs two parties. Communication can be
one-way or two-way process.
The principle of communication is based on clarity of speech, idea of trust, to be attentive and
consistent with the overall plans. The need for communication is for transfer of ideas,
interacting with the society, for education and mainly to update oneself in understanding the
world.