Human communication

Human communication, also known as anthroposemiotics, is the study of how people exchange information. It is a complex process of shared symbolic interaction. This means communication relies on a shared system of signification, often called a code. If the people communicating do not know the same code, the message fails to be understood. Communication is symbolic because it uses signs, or symbols, to represent concepts. These symbols can be part of verbal or non-verbal language. Because it is an interaction, it requires two or more people. As people interact, they increase their knowledge through the exchange.

To communicate effectively, humans must create a sense of commonality. We cannot see into another person's mind to know their exact perspective. Instead, we build a shared mindset or viewpoint to bridge that gap. Most face-to-face communication is a joint activity that depends on common attention. This involves visually reading the other person and following their cues. We often use eye contact and hand gestures to show we are listening. This helps maintain a connection during the exchange.

There are many different types of communication used in daily life. Intrapersonal communication is the most basic form, which is talking to oneself. This is the foundation for all other types because it involves thinking about our actions. Interpersonal communication occurs between two or more people. This type relies on trust, openness, and respect between the participants. Nonverbal communication uses facial expressions, body language, or even appearance to send messages. Speech is the use of the voice to turn thoughts into sentences and conversations.

We also use many specialized methods to share information. Visual communication uses signs, charts, or pictures to convey ideas quickly. For example, a driver sees a red stop sign to understand an instruction without words. Writing uses letters and symbols to record thoughts in a readable form. Mail allows us to send physical letters or packages through a postal system. Mass media, such as television or radio, reaches large audiences at once. In these cases, the audience is often passive. Telecommunication uses technology like email or radio to overcome distance. This allows messages to travel across the world almost instantly.

Scholars divide the study of communication into two major categories. The first is rhetorical communication, which focuses on influence and persuasion. This approach is often linked to Western societies. In early history, people used rhetoric to prove claims in a court of law. The philosopher Aristotle stated that effective rhetoric is built on argumentation. In this model, one party may be dominant while another is submissive. The second category is the relational approach, which comes from Eastern societies. This method views communication as a transaction where people work to reach an agreed perspective. In these societies, maintaining valued relationships is often more important than exerting control.

Humans have unique abilities that set us apart from other animals. For instance, we can communicate about time and place as if they were solid objects. Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, yet they cannot produce speech. Even when raised in human homes since the 1910s, chimpanzees have failed to speak. They may make progress in other intellectual areas, but they do not spontaneously produce words. In contrast, every human is born with the capacity to learn their mother tongue. We acquire language rapidly and unerringly with very little formal coaching.

Communication is essential in many different settings, such as the workplace. In group projects, co-workers must use communication to find the best solutions. They might need to argue to reach a goal, but they must also nurture relationships. They may even use tactics like "saving face" to maintain cooperation. Organizational communication is structured to help these groups function. It is defined by five dimensions: relationships, entities, contexts, configuration, and temporal stability. By managing these elements, organizations can help people from different cultures work together effectively.