The term "Communication" is derived from the Latin words "Communis" or "Communicare" which means:
Make common, the information available
Understanding the Origin of the Term Communication
The term "Communication" is fundamental to how we interact and share information. To truly grasp its meaning, it's helpful to look at where the word itself comes from. The English word "communication" has deep roots in Latin.
Latin Roots of Communication: "Communis" and "Communicare"
The term "Communication" is indeed derived from two key Latin words:
- Communis: This Latin word means "common," "commonness," or "sharing." It relates to things that are shared or held in common among people.
- Communicare: This is a Latin verb derived from "communis." It means "to make common," "to share," "to impart," "to transmit," or "to join."
Together, these roots highlight the core idea behind communication: the process of making something known or shared between individuals or groups, thereby creating a common understanding or shared meaning.
Analyzing the Options for the Meaning of Communication's Latin Roots
Let's look at the options provided and see which one best fits the meaning of "Communis" or "Communicare":
- Option 1: Make common, the information available
This option directly reflects the meaning of "communicare" – the act of making information or something else shared or common among people. - Option 2: Make something uncommon
This is the opposite of the Latin roots. "Communis" means common, not uncommon. - Option 3: Produce information
While producing information is often a step before communicating, the Latin root "communicare" focuses on the *sharing* or *making common* of that information, not just its creation. - Option 4: Provide specific information
This is part of communication, but "communicare" is broader, referring to the act of making *anything* common or shared, whether it's specific information, ideas, feelings, or understanding. The emphasis is on the sharing aspect, making it common.
Conclusion: The Core Meaning
Based on the Latin origins, the most accurate meaning conveyed by "Communis" or "Communicare" is the process of making something common or shared. This aligns perfectly with the first option.
Communication is essentially about establishing common ground or understanding by sharing information, ideas, or feelings. It's about transforming something held by one or few into something shared by many.
| Latin Word | Meaning | Connection to Communication |
|---|---|---|
| Communis | Common, shared | Refers to what is made common through the process. |
| Communicare | To make common, to share, to impart | Describes the active process of making something common. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts in Communication Origin
| Term | Origin Language | Meaning of Origin | Relevance to Communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Latin | Communis (common), Communicare (to make common) | Highlights the core idea of sharing and making information/ideas common. |
Additional Information: Communication Process
Understanding the origin helps appreciate the essence of communication. Beyond its roots, communication involves several key elements:
- Sender: The person who initiates the communication.
- Message: The information, idea, or feeling being conveyed.
- Encoding: Converting the message into symbols, words, or gestures.
- Channel: The medium through which the message is sent (e.g., airwaves, paper, digital media).
- Decoding: Interpreting the message received.
- Receiver: The person or group who receives the message.
- Feedback: The response from the receiver to the sender.
- Noise: Anything that interferes with the communication process.
The ultimate goal of this process, stemming from its Latin origin, is to ensure the message is understood and shared, effectively making the information common between the sender and receiver.
Important Questions from Characteristics of Communication - Teaching
Communication usually begins with
A teacher uses a question-answer session to ensure desired learning outcomes in his/her classroom. In this process, he/she offers the following type of comment to a few answer given by a student:
'Yes, you are right, good'
This will be considered as an example of
Below are given two sets in which Set I describes the types of listeners involved in communication, while Set II indicates their characteristics:
Set-I
Types of listeners involved in the communication
Set-II
Characteristics
a) Non-Listener
i) is engaged in information other than the one needed.
b) Marginal Listener
ii) receives information without processing the significance in the context of communication.
c) Evaluative Listener
iii) looks into the relevance of the information for understanding its implication.
d) Active Listener
iv) pays to heed the communicated information occasionally.
Match the two sets and give your answer by choosing to form the options:
Poor listening by the audience leads to
Satellite communication work through
