Language
Fact-checked

At LanguageHumanities, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Communication Theory?

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden

A "communication theory" is an attempted explanation of how and why humans communicate meaningfully with each other. Such theories can originate from a variety of different fields, including psychology, biology, and philosophy, though the actual study of the nature of communication is a field in and of itself. At its core, a communication theory is generally devoted to providing an explanation of how, exactly, one individual is able to communicate meaning to another and the degree to which the speaker and the listener can understand each other. Other theories are more focused on the historical and ritual significance of communication as an essential element of culture. Such theories may focus on the broad cultural effects of communication instead of the specific process of transmitting meaning.

The particular purpose of communication is often very important to a given communication theory, but different theorists often support different primary purposes of communication. A communication theory, for instance, may be based on the foundational understanding of communication as, first and foremost, the practical manner by which people can exchange ideas. Other theories, on the other hand, may examine communication itself as an idea divorced from the communicators, and will study the flow of information without specific regard for the exchange between two individuals. Additionally, some theories take a multifaceted approach to the purpose and basis of communication while others examine it from only one angle.

Cuttlefish, which can change the color of their skin to communicate or hide from predators, are mollusks in the class Cephalopoda.
Cuttlefish, which can change the color of their skin to communicate or hide from predators, are mollusks in the class Cephalopoda.

One important division between different theories is between the idea of communication as an exchange between social beings and communication as an exchange between biological organisms. Theorists on one side argue that man is a social being that is fundamentally different from other organisms, so an appropriate communication theory does not need to be rooted in biology. Theorists on the other side argue that because man is a biological organism, a communication theory can only be complete and useful if it can be firmly rooted in biology. Such theorists often examine the connections between human communication through language and non-linguistic animal communication.

Communication theory looks at the different means people use to communicate with each other.
Communication theory looks at the different means people use to communicate with each other.

The overall field of communication theory tends to focus on a few different possible views of language. The mechanistic view, for example, is based on the idea that one person communicates a message and the other person receives that message exactly as intended. Psychological models, on the other hand, take the psychological effects of communication into consideration and examine the manner in which the received message differs from the communicated one. A communication theory based in social ideas, however, examines the wider social implications of a message and may examine the manner in which ideas change as they travel from person to person. Such views may also examine language as a tool for manipulation and gathering power over others.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I don't think that there is much of a difference between communication among humans and communication among animals. Anyone who observes animals of the same species will see that they communicate often with one another. They all have their own language. It's quite amazing.

ZipLine

I'm interested in the use of language to affect the behaviors of others. It might be convincing someone, or manipulating them through communication.

I think political campaigns and the speeches used as part of campaigns are usually manipulative. Certain ideas are emphasized or exaggerated by politicians to convince people to vote for them.

discographer

This might not be the usual way to look at communication theory, but we could explain this phenomenon from a religious point of view as well.

Several religious scripts mention that words and their meaning were taught to men by God. It is said that Adam was not aware of the names of various objects until God taught him. And it is emphasized that God has knowledge of all things and man's knowledge is limited to what God wants him to know.

I think communication theory and religion are very interesting. It's something that ought to be looked into further in my view.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cuttlefish, which can change the color of their skin to communicate or hide from predators, are mollusks in the class Cephalopoda.
      By: natuska106
      Cuttlefish, which can change the color of their skin to communicate or hide from predators, are mollusks in the class Cephalopoda.
    • Communication theory looks at the different means people use to communicate with each other.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Communication theory looks at the different means people use to communicate with each other.
    • Communication theory can be used to diagnose communication issues faced by couples.
      By: Kirill Kedrinski
      Communication theory can be used to diagnose communication issues faced by couples.
    • Applying communication theory can help couples strengthen their relationship.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Applying communication theory can help couples strengthen their relationship.
    • Communication theory can help people better express their emotions.
      By: amyinlondon
      Communication theory can help people better express their emotions.