Understanding Human and Animal Communication
Communication is a process by which an issuer transmits a message to a receiver through a specific channel, using a code of signs, all within a context conditioned by environmental circumstances.
Elements of Communication
- Issuer: The one who issues the message; the source.
- Receiver: The recipient of the message.
- In a dialogue, the roles of sender and receiver are interchangeable.
- Message: The statement; the ideas expressed by the sender.
- Code: The system of signals or signs used to convey a message (e.g., language, Morse code, Braille).
- Channel: The physical medium through which the message is conveyed.
- Context:
- Situation: The environment surrounding the message.
- Theme: The subject matter of the message.
Human vs. Animal Communication
Human communication is complex and varied. Humans communicate with each other and with animals, such as dogs and cats.
Similarities
- Existence of the message: Something is always being transmitted.
- Social Character: There is always a binding element (family, tribe, clan).
- Understanding the Message: Occurs in both animals and humans.
Differences
- Humans have an unlimited capacity for communication; animals have a limited capacity.
- Humans communicate multiple and varied data; animals communicate single facts.
- Human communication is conditioned by community and the ability to create language.
- Humans can communicate abstract realities and their inner world; animals are limited to concrete realities.
Conditions for Communication
- Relationship or contact between sender and receiver.
- Communicative intention: The sender consciously intends to communicate.
- Willingness to receive and understand the message.
- A specific situation (time, place, means).
Hints, Signs and Symbols
Hint: An action or attitude that subconsciously communicates a state of mind. Example: Walking down the street dragging one’s feet.
Characteristics of Communication Signs
- Require previous experience of the receiver.
- Require the receiver’s interest to be interpreted.
- The message is vague and imprecise.
- Depend on individual behavior (gestures, mannerisms, social behaviors).
Symbol: A drawing or something chosen conventionally to represent a concept.
Characteristics of Communication Symbols
- The author of the symbol is often unknown.
- There is no inherent communicative intention.
- The drawing determines the content of the message.
- The receiver can interpret it if they know its meaning.
- Delivers a clear message.
Main forms of Symbols: National, Institutional, Military, Religious, Art, Transit, Acronyms, Abbreviations.
Social Media
Social media are tools that technology and modern science have placed at the service of humanity. These resources, when used well, can strengthen human values. However, they are often used to depersonalize and massify, becoming invisible arms that organize our lives, encouraging consumption through advertising manipulation.
Public Opinion
Modern individuals have a need to be informed. The media has made them tireless consumers of news, but they often do not assimilate the content. Manipulation occurs in how news is presented, often with ideological content or omissions. The public, as the receiver, is sometimes skeptical of information management and overwhelmed by personal problems, only interested in news that directly affects them.