Human+communication

=__HUMAN COMMUNICATION__= = =

Definition:
//Human// //Communication:// sending and receiving messages; "interchang(ing) of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs" (Dictionary.com)



Communication is an important factor in life. Without doing so, it is unlikely for others to understand what one would like. Communication not only happens between humans, but also between animals, and humans to animals or vice versa. However, I will discuss specifically about human communication here. There are many different ways in which humans can communicate: gesture / body movement, distance, vocal-based, text-based, and video-based.

Gesture / Body Movement:
Although body movements are non-verbal communication, these kinds of movements reveal emotions. The movements can be shown through the use of hand gestures or by different body postures. For example, smiling can show happiness, or head shaking may mean disagreement. But not all body movements are understood internationally. Different cultures give different meanings to a certain movement. To illustrate, in North America, putting up a thumb means something positive, whereas in Japan, a raised thumb is a taboo.

Distance / Proximity:
Many people do not recognize that distance plays a part in communication. Depending on the distance that the two people are communicating, it represents something. If two people are in an intimate relationship (ex: dating), they are usually from touching distance to 18 inches away. In a personal relationship (ex: friends), they can be between distances of 1.5 feet to 4 feet. In social relationships (ex: poker game), people are interacting between a distance of 4 feet and 12 feet. In public relationships (ex: public speech), people communicate at a distance of 12 feet and above. Eye Contact can also minimize distance. For instance, if someone spots another at a nightclub, and they remain eye contact, then the gap between them is reduced.



**Vocal-Based Communication:**
Humans can also communicate vocally. With today’s advanced technology, we are able to contact another person through the telephone, instead of the ancient method, shouting. Telephones used to be connected to a cord; therefore it could only stretch so long. Then, cordless telephones are invented. After that, people are able to bring the phone around the house to talk, instead of being at a stationary place. As technology continues to improve, cellular phones are formulated. Now, most people have a cell phone, allowing communication between friends and family at a much more convenient level. Should a phone not be convenient at the time, one can communicate by using a microphone through the computer.



**Text-Based Communication:**
Communication through text has been long known. In the past, the only way for people to communicate was through postage mail. As technology quickly advanced, a more modern way of text communication is through electronic mail (e-mail). People chose e-mail over post mail due to many advantages that it had to offer. It is superior in its speed. For business, where time is precious, they cannot tolerate any time burdens. In our growing environment, people became accustomed to the way in which everything is reduced to the least lag time. Therefore, e-mail is desirable and widely accepted. Instant messaging is another example of text-based communication. Unlike e-mail, one does not need to wait for a day or two for a reply. Through instant messaging services, one can get a reply within minutes or seconds. They also provide emoticons (pictures that represent emotions) which allow both parties to show their current feelings. Another benefit of both e-mail and instant messaging is that it allows a sender to attach pictures or other work files to it too.



**Video-based communication:**
“Video-based communication allows two-way or multi-cast calling.” (Designing Interactive systems) Even from far away, humans do not have to travel a long distance in order to communicate with another anymore. At present, people can communicate through web-cams or through video cell phones. The idea of video-based communication was originated back in 1956 when AT&T produced a picture -phone. Later it evolved to what we have today – webcams and more modern models of picture phones. Video-based communication is accepted in today’s society because it allows for the most effective way of passing on messages. In the case of a long distance relationship, the couple can talk to each other and at the same time, receive instant facial expressions.



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__Bibliography & References:__
1) CCT202 Lecture Notes

2) Dictionary.com - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/communication

3) Designing Interactive Systems – Benyon, David. Turner, Phil. Turner, Susan. __Designing Interactive Systems (People, Activities, Contexts, Technologies).__ England: Pearson Education Limited, 2005.

Image Sources:
http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/cpl/hotnews/communicate.gif__