Communication

Definition

Communication derives from the Latin word communicare, meaning to share or to make common.

It is broadly understood as the transmission of information from a sender to a receiver through various mediums, such as speech, writing, body language, or technology.

At its core, communication involves encoding, transmitting, and decoding messages, often to share meaning or foster understanding.

Contexts of Communication

Specific Contexts

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the exchange of messages between individuals. It can happen face-to-face or virtually, enabling people to build relationships, share emotions, and resolve conflicts.

Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication occurs within oneself, involving self-reflection, internal dialogue, and emotional processing. It helps clarify thoughts and guide decision-making.

Broader Contexts

Cultural Communication

Cultural communication explores how shared beliefs, customs, and values shape interactions. It fosters understanding across diverse groups while emphasizing the importance of context and norms.

Other Contexts

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication conveys meaning through gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone. It complements or replaces verbal communication, adding depth and emotion to interactions.

Technological Communication

Technological communication uses digital tools like texting, video calls, and social media. Built on protocols such as TCP/IP and supported by servers or cloud infrastructure, it enables global connectivity and reliability.

Improbable Contexts

Plant Communication

Plants communicate by releasing chemicals to signal danger or attract pollinators. For example, volatile compounds can warn neighboring plants of herbivore attacks.

Impossible Contexts

Communication with a Rock

Communication with a rock is considered impossible, as rocks lack the capacity to send, receive, or interpret messages, illustrating the boundaries of communicative interaction.

Derivative Forms

Communicate (verb)

To convey or share information, ideas, or feelings. Emphasizes the action of transmitting meaning.

Communicator (noun)

A person or entity that shares information. Focuses on the agent or medium through which messages are delivered.

Communicative (adjective)

Inclined to express ideas openly and effectively. Highlights a person's willingness and ability to share information.

Communicable (adjective)

Capable of being transmitted or shared. Commonly used in contexts involving ideas, information, or even diseases.

Perspectives on Communication

To explore different perspectives, I spoke with a family member, a co-worker, and a friend to find out what communication means to them.

A Family Member

"For me, communication is about nurturing relationships and making sure everyone feels heard and understood."

A Co-worker

"Communication is essential for aligning our goals and staying productive as a team."

A Friend

"Communication is how we stay connected, even if we live far apart or have hectic schedules."

Creative Experimentation

In this section, I’ve explored how communication can extend beyond words, using visuals, symbols, colors, and interactive elements to convey different messages.

Color Block Experiment

In this experiment, I used simple shapes and colors to show how different tones can evoke various emotions or messages, even without text.

By simply changing the shape and hue, the viewer might feel a different emotional response— warmth, excitement, or calmness—even though these blocks don’t contain any words.

Caption Experiment

One photo is shown twice. On the left, it’s captioned with a playful message, while on the right, it has no caption, inviting viewers to create their own meaning.

A scenic photo with a playful caption
A quiet pause in the city’s daily rush.
The same scenic photo without a caption
(No caption)

Hover Reveal

Hover over the shape below to reveal a hidden message, illustrating how communication can be layered or obscured.

Hover to reveal
Hidden message: "Context shapes interpretation."

Through these experiments, I found that communication relies as much on visual cues, context, and perception as it does on spoken or written words. Each piece challenged me to think more deeply about how messages are formed, shared, and interpreted.

My Understanding of Communication

After exploring various contexts, derivative forms, creative experiments, and interviewing people close to me, I’ve consolidated my personal insights on what communication means—both outwardly and inwardly.

Self-Communication

I’ve realized that communication isn’t solely about exchanging words with others; it also begins with how we communicate with ourselves. Reflecting on my own thoughts and emotions helps me understand the intentions behind my words before I speak them. When I become more aware of my feelings and motivations, I can convey them in a clearer, more empathetic way.

Expressiveness and Adaptability

I also believe communication is an evolving skill. It’s not only about what we say, but how we listen, adapt our message, and interpret the signals—both verbal and nonverbal—of those around us. This adaptive quality encourages genuine connections, as it acknowledges that no two interactions are ever exactly the same.

In short, communication thrives at the intersection of self-awareness and empathy. By looking inward first and then listening carefully to others, we can create a continuous feedback loop that leads to deeper understanding and more meaningful relationships.