Definition of Communication
Humans are social creatures. They are unable to live alone and need to socialize with other people. By communicating, humans are able to build social interactions with others. That way, communication is an important activity carried out by humans as a condition for the establishment of social relations to survive in life. Etymologically, the word communication is derived from the Latin language "communicare," which means "to share" (Weekley, 1967). According to the original word, communication can be interpreted as conveying specific meanings using signs and symbols, which are generally understood by the people involved in that communication. It was also conveyed by Pearson and Nelson (2000) that explained: "communication is a process of understanding and sharing meaning" (p. 6). Therefore, at least two people must carry out communication activities that we can refer to as "sender" and "receiver."
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that communication is conveying information, be it messages or ideas that one person has to the others who have the same interpretation to the type of messages; hence, both sender and receiver can respond to each other.
Types of Communication
Communication occurs through a process. The communication process usually begins with the material being discussed by the speaker, which the recipient then accepts. There is a wide range of ways humans communicate, and more than one may be occurring at any given time. Here are the four main categories or styles of communication that are commonly found:
1. Spoken or Verbal Communication
It is a type of communication where language transfer information through speaking or using sign language. This communication is often used as face-to-face communication. It could also be found during presentations, conferences, meetings, and phone calls.
2. Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal is a type of communication covering body language, gestures, facial expressions to convey information to others. There are many subtle ways that humans communicate (even unintentionally) with others. For example, the tone of voice can give clues to mood or emotional state, while hand signals or gestures can add to a spoken message. Non-verbal communication is helpful when both sender and receiver are trying to understand each others' thoughts and feelings.
3. Written Communication
Written communication is a type of communication where the sender and recipient of language utilize the use of writing and typing letters, numbers, as well as symbols to communicate with each other. It is helpful to language users to record any knowledge or information for references. The standard form that is usually found for this type of communication is email and chat.
4. Visual Communication
Visual communication is a type of communication when the language conveys information by using pictures, art, drawings, sketches, charts, and graphs. Visual communication is frequently put to use as a help to supply supportive context for presentation alongside written and verbal communication. Since every individual has diverse learning styles, visual communication might be more helpful to expand thoughts, ideas, opinions, and information.
Functions of Communication
The definition of communication has a broad scope because it also includes the function of communication. In short, the function of communication is to create understanding between the sender and receiver. However, several communication functions are essential to understand, which are in the following:
- To convey information.
- As a form of interaction with other people.
- To add insight and knowledge of something. So, through communication, there will be a transfer of knowledge between one person and another.
- Free time filler or as entertainment. For example, by talking via telephone, chatting, social media, video calls, etcetera.
- As a way to persuade and influence others. Usually, this kind of communication contains many elements of persuasion.
- As a fortress of self so as not to be isolated in the community.
- To study the current situation that is happening.