Communication Studies for Christian Ministry: Meaning and Scope

Meaning of Communication

Definitions

The word communication is derived from the Latin root word communis which means common and from the word communicare which means ‘to share, to impart or to have something in common.’ In everyday use, communication means making common or sharing something by two or more persons or groups or persons.

McLaughlin: Communication is the sharing of information for the purpose of affecting the receiver in some predetermined way.

D.S. Dahiya: Communication literally means sharing of ideas in common.

Joseph Devito: When we communicate, we establish ‘commonness’ with someone.

As information dissemination

Reuben Ray: Communication is the transfer of information, ideas, understanding or feelings among people.

As sharing

Denis McQuail: Communication is a process which increases commonality.

 Scope

The scope of communication can be evaluated and analysed from different point of views.

 The Social dimensions

Communication helps to ensure the social enlightenment of the people. It really plays a vital role in the determination of the social behaviour of the human being. It motivates the people according to their own interest and makes them aware of the hazards as well as beneficial things. It works as an instructor and means of transformation in the fast changing society.

 The educational dimensions

Communication system is the part and parcel in educating the people. The various tools that we use in mass communication work as instructors to the people who are in search of knowledge. The educational objectives of modern communication system are increasing day by day.

 Organisational dimensions

Communication has a vital role in the organisational structure of a system for the smooth functioning. All the three levels of management- strategic, tactical, and operational- depend on the transfer of messages done through the communicative techniques.

 Cultural dimensions

Communication provides an opportunity for the promotion and preservation of culture and traditions. It makes the people fulfill their creative urges. The cultural settings of a particular society can be known to the public through communication. Communication helps to spread the cultures into different areas.

 Entertainment dimensions

Communication opens a wide possibility of entertainment to the people. It begins from the interpersonal communication to the vast ocean of mass communication. The scope of films, drama, music, comedy etc is really wide in the entertaining aspect of it.  

 Integrative dimensions

Communication is the one which connect people from different parts of the world. It develops integration and tolerance towards each other. The different cultures are merged together through the medium of communication. It integrates different people from the different background of the world. It works as a source of persuasion.