1-1 What is Communication, and Why Do We Do It?

Communication is a commonly used term, but what does it really mean? Does the notion of communication mean the same thing to everybody? Why do we frequently add qualifiers such as “good” or “effective” when discussing communication? To be able to answer these questions, we must clearly define what is meant by the term, how it is applied, and why we all do it.

The noun “communication” is used to describe the imparting or exchanging of thoughts, feelings, information and facts. The word originates from the Latin “communis”, meaning common or shared. Whilst “communication” is often used to refer to an exchange between two or more parties, this definition is restrictive. Humans communicate with themselves approx. 50,000 times a day by the means of thoughts. This is called intrapersonal communication. Communication is not something that is reserved for humans; all animals do it. Dogs bark and show their teeth, horses pull their ears back, cats hiss and arch their backs, and frogs croak to attract mates. Scientists believe that humans are able to create and process more complex behaviours of communication. This is due to neurobiological differences between humans and non-humans. A specific part of the brain, the planum temporale, is far more evolved in humans as compared to non-humans. The planum temporale is where all information relating to communication is processed including language, words, sight, sounds, touch, gesture, and speech.