Unit 2 Communication
Unit 2 Communication
a. Semantic Barriers: The Semantic Barriers refer to the misunderstanding between the sender and
receiver arising due to the different meanings of words, and other symbols used in the communication.
Semantic barriers usually arise when the information is not in simple language and contains words or
symbols that have multiple meanings. The following are the main language barriers:
i. Bad Expression: The message is not formulated properly and the language used is so difficult
that the recipient could misinterpret it.
ii. Symbols, or Words with Different Meanings: There are several words that carry different
meanings and often, people get confused with these words and interpret them differently due to
the difference in their educational and social backgrounds. Such as, the word “Crane” has
different meanings as shown in the sentences below:
The bird sanctuary is full of cranes.
The builder used a crane to lift heavy steel rods.
The girl has to crane her neck to watch the movie.
iii. Faulty Translation/poor vocabulary: Sometimes, the sender translates the message as per his
level of understanding irrespective of the recipient’s comprehension level. For example, a
manager collected information from his superiors and subordinates and translated the same
information to all his employees, according to the understanding level of the superiors, and this
led to the misinterpretation of the message.
iv. Unclarified Assumptions: Sometimes the sender creates assumptions about certain things that
he feels the receiver must know about it and focuses only on the subject matter. But in the case
of a special message, if the assumptions are vague and unknown to the receiver then the
communication might get adversely affected.
v. Unclarified Assumptions: Sometimes the sender creates assumptions about certain things that
he feels the receiver must know about it and focuses only on the subject matter. But in the case
of a special message, if the assumptions are vague and unknown to the receiver then the
communication might get adversely affected.
b. Physical Barrier: A physical barrier to communication can be defined as an element or a physical factor
that acts as a distraction to hinder the flow of communication. A physical barrier can be natural or human-
made and is easy to spot. Noise, bad architecture and closed doors are all physical barriers to listening.
Even a network disturbance due to a thunderstorm can be considered as one of the examples of physical
barrier.
i. Workplace Architecture: A poorly designed workplace can create a physical barrier. Employees
find it difficult to communicate with their seniors if they sit far away or on different floors.
ii. Distance: Geographical distance is a major cause of physical barriers. It prevents personal
communication, which is substituted by phone calls, video conferences, messages or emails.
Network issues are common and long-distance communication can experience obstacles of poor
reception or slow internet.
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iii. Time: Limited time or different time zones can both create a physical barrier between two
people. The sender must construct a concise message for the receiver if time is limited. This
ensures conveying crucial information in the absence of a detailed conversation.
iv. Environment: Environmental conditions can affect the flow of information. Thunder can create
noise that interferes with hearing. Lightning and heavy rain can cause faults in mainframes and
disturbances in signals. Heat can cause fires that can damage wiring or lead to fires. Cold
temperatures can also disrupt communication by freezing lines and open systems.