6.6 Summary

In this session, we delved into the complexities of communication, shedding light on how communicators, influenced by their cultural backgrounds, personalities, and contextual situations, contribute to the co-creation of meaning. It became evident that these elements are inherently interconnected and should be woven into our comprehensive understanding of the communication process.

The extended model of communication that we introduced places significant emphasis on the dynamics of the process and the interactions involved. It underscores the idea that communicators collaboratively shape meaning during their exchanges, and that this meaning finds expression through language. Simultaneously, it recognizes that cultural disparities often lie concealed within linguistic expressions, showcasing how speakers possess a range of communication conventions and styles, which they deploy based on the circumstances and contexts at hand.

Furthermore, the expanded model outlines various pathways and offers insights into possible responses when one or both communicators recognize a misperception, confusion, irritation, or even an outright misunderstanding. Despite its inherent limitations, these options serve to illustrate how communication may swing towards avoidance but also how a systematic analysis, the formulation of multiple hypotheses, and the implementation of strategic actions can facilitate the repair of communication and the development of shared meaning.