Communicative
English
SEC -1 BSc 3rd Semester
By Debasish Mohanta
Communicative English
BSc 3rd Semester
By Debasish Mohanta
© Debasish Mohanta
Govt. autonomous College,Rourkela .
Contents
UNIT 1: Introduction
(i) What is communication?
(ii) Types of communication (Horizontal, Vertical,
Interpersonal, Grapevine)
(iii) Uses of Communication, Inter-cultural communication,
Communication today:
(iv)Distinct features of Indianisation, alternative texts of
language learning, global English and English in the print
and electronic media in India.
UNIT 2: The Four Skills and Prospect of new material in
language learning
(i) Listening-Passive and active, Speaking e ective,
intelligibility and clarity
(ii) Methods and techniques of reading such as skimming,
scanning and searching for information; Reading to
understand the literal, metaphorical and suggested
meaning of a passage,
(iii) Identifying the tone (admiring, accusatory, ironical,
sympathetic, evasive, indecisive, ambiguous, neutral etc.)
of the writer and view-points.
(iv)Cohesive and Coherent writing
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Unit 1 INTRODUCTION
(i) What is communication?
Communication is the process of exchanging
information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between
individuals or groups. It involves the transmission and
reception of messages through various channels, such
as verbal or written language, non-verbal cues, and
technological mediums. Effective communication
facilitates understanding, collaboration, and the
conveyance of meaning, contributing to successful
interactions and relationships .
(ii) Types of communication :
- Horizontal Communication: This type of
communication occurs among individuals or
departments at the same hierarchical level within an
organization. It facilitates collaboration, problem-solving,
and the sharing of information across different functional
areas or teams .
- Vertical Communication: Vertical communication
involves the exchange of information between different
hierarchical levels within an organization. It includes
upward communication, where employees communicate
with their superiors, and downward communication,
where managers convey information to subordinates.
Effective vertical communication supports transparency,
feedback, and alignment with organizational goals .
- Interpersonal Communication: Interpersonal
communication refers to the exchange of information,
emotions, and ideas between individuals. It
encompasses face-to-face interactions, conversations,
and relationships, playing a crucial role in personal and
professional contexts. Effective interpersonal
communication fosters empathy, trust, and mutual
understanding .
- Grapevine Communication: Grapevine
communication represents informal, unofficial channels
of communication within an organization. It involves the
spread of rumors, gossip, or information through
informal conversations, emails, or social interactions.
While grapevine communication can be a source of
informal information, it can also lead to
misunderstandings and distortions of facts .
Understanding and effectively utilizing these types of
communication is essential for promoting collaboration,
information flow, and relationship-building within
organizations and interpersonal interactions.
(iii) Uses of Communication:
Communication serves various purposes in personal,
professional, and societal contexts. Some common
uses of communication include:
- Information Sharing: Communication is essential for
sharing information, knowledge, and updates within
organizations, communities, and social groups. It
facilitates the dissemination of news, announcements,
and educational content.
- Relationship Building: Effective communication
fosters the development and maintenance of
relationships. It enables individuals to express
emotions, connect with others, and build trust and
rapport.
- Decision Making: Communication plays a crucial role
in decision-making processes. It allows for the
exchange of ideas, opinions, and feedback, contributing
to informed and collaborative decision-making.
- Conflict Resolution: Communication is vital for
addressing conflicts and resolving disputes. It provides
a platform for expressing concerns, negotiating
solutions, and reaching mutual understanding.
- Persuasion and Influence: Communication is used to
persuade, influence, and motivate others. It is employed
in marketing, sales, leadership, and advocacy to convey
messages that inspire action or change.
Inter-cultural Communication:
Inter-cultural communication refers to the exchange of
information and interaction between individuals or
groups from different cultural backgrounds. It involves
navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and
diverse communication styles to promote understanding
and collaboration. Effective inter-cultural communication
requires sensitivity, empathy, and awareness of cultural
norms, values, and customs. It plays a crucial role in
global business, international relations, and multicultural
societies, fostering respect and inclusivity.
Communication Today:
In today's interconnected world, communication has
been transformed by technological advancements and
digital platforms. Some key aspects of communication
today include:
- Digital Communication: The widespread use of
digital tools, such as email, social media, instant
messaging, and video conferencing, has revolutionized
communication, enabling real-time interactions and
global connectivity.
- Remote Communication: The rise of remote work
and virtual collaboration has emphasized the
importance of effective remote communication, utilizing
digital platforms to facilitate teamwork and productivity.
- Multimedia Communication: The integration of
multimedia elements, including images, videos, and
interactive content, has enriched communication,
enabling engaging and impactful messaging.
- Global Communication: Communication today
transcends geographical boundaries, allowing for global
reach and cross-cultural interactions, contributing to a
more interconnected and diverse communication
landscape.
Understanding the evolving nature of communication
and adapting to modern communication tools and
practices is essential for effective interpersonal,
organizational, and global interactions.
(iv) Distinct Features of Indianisation:
Indianisation of language refers to the incorporation of
Indian cultural, linguistic, and contextual elements into
the use of language, particularly English, within the
Indian subcontinent. Some distinct features of
Indianisation include:
- Code-Switching and Code-Mixing: The blending of
English with regional languages and dialects, resulting
in the use of hybrid linguistic forms that reflect the
multicultural and multilingual nature of India.
- Influence of Vernacular Languages: The influence of
vernacular languages on the vocabulary, syntax, and
expressions used in Indian English, reflecting the rich
linguistic diversity of the country.
- Cultural Contextualization: The adaptation of
English language usage to align with Indian cultural
norms, traditions, and social contexts, leading to the
development of unique linguistic expressions and
communication styles.
Alternative Texts of Language Learning:
In the context of language learning in India, alternative
texts refer to educational materials and resources that
cater to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
These alternative texts may include:
- Bilingual and Multilingual Resources: Educational
materials that incorporate multiple languages, allowing
learners to engage with content in their native language
while also learning English or other languages.
- Culturally Relevant Content: Learning materials that
integrate Indian cultural references, stories, and
examples to make language learning more relatable
and engaging for students from diverse cultural
backgrounds.
- Regional Language Instruction: Resources that
support the learning of regional languages alongside
or in conjunction with English, recognizing the
importance of multilingualism in the Indian
educational landscape.
Global English:
Global English refers to the widespread use and
influence of the English language as a global lingua
franca, transcending national boundaries and serving as
a common means of communication in international
contexts. In the Indian context, global English manifests
in various ways, including:
- Business and Trade: English serves as a key
language for international business transactions, trade,
and commerce, enabling Indian businesses to engage
with global markets and stakeholders.
- Education and Research: English is used as a
medium of instruction in higher education, research
publications, and academic discourse, connecting
Indian scholars and students with global academic
communities.
- Technology and Innovation: English is integral to the
f i e l d s o f t e c h n o l o g y, i n n o v a t i o n , a n d d i g i t a l
communication, facilitating India's participation in the
global tech industry and digital economy.
English in Print and Electronic Media in India:
The use of English in the print and electronic media in
India reflects its role as a prominent language of
communication and information dissemination. English
is utilized in various media formats, including:
- Newspapers and Magazines: English-language
newspapers and magazines cater to diverse
readerships, providing news, analysis, and editorial
content on national and international affairs.
- Television and Radio: English-language television
channels and radio programs offer entertainment, news,
and educational content, reaching audiences across
urban and rural areas.
- Digital Media and Online Platforms: English is
widely used in digital media, social networking sites,
blogs, and online publications, contributing to the digital
presence and influence of English-language content in
India.
The distinct features of Indianisation, alternative texts of
language learning, global English, and the use of
English in the print and electronic media in India reflect
the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and
communication in the Indian context.
What are the barriers to communication ?
Barriers to communication can hinder the effective
exchange of information and understanding between
individuals or within organizations. These barriers can
arise from various sources and manifest in different
forms, impacting the clarity and accuracy of
communication. Some common barriers to
communication include:
1. Perceptual Barriers: Differences in how individuals
interpret actions, words, and mannerisms can lead to
misunderstandings. Perceptions are influenced by
cultural, emotional, personal, and spiritual backgrounds,
affecting how messages are received and understood .
2. Language Barriers: Language differences or the use
of complex or unfamiliar words and phrases can impede
communication. Jargon, dialects, or technical
terminology that is not understood by all parties can
create barriers to effective communication .
3. Interpersonal Barriers: Difficulties in relating to
others, lack of social skills, or challenges in building
personal connections can hinder communication. These
barriers may result from individual personality traits,
work routines, or social dynamics within a group or
organization .
4. Information Overload: Excessive amounts of
information can overwhelm individuals, leading to
difficulties in processing and understanding the intended
messages. Managing the flow of information is essential
to prevent overload and ensure effective communication
.
5. Time Pressures: The need to meet deadlines and
achieve targets within specific timeframes can lead to
rushed or incomplete communication. Time pressures
may result in shortened formal communication channels
or partial message transmission, impacting the quality of
communication .
6. Distractions and Noise: Physical distractions, such
as poor lighting or uncomfortable environments, as well
as external noise, can interfere with communication.
These distractions can disrupt the focus and attention of
individuals involved in communication .
7. Emotional Factors: The emotional state of
individuals can influence how messages are perceived
and interpreted. Emotions such as anger, happiness, or
stress can affect the reception and understanding of
communicated information .
8. Complexity in Organizational Structure:
Hierarchical organizational structures can create
communication barriers, as information may not flow
effectively across different levels of the organization.
Limited visibility of the overall picture and knowledge
silos can hinder communication .
Understanding and addressing these barriers is
essential for promoting effective communication within
personal, professional, and organizational contexts. By
recognizing and mitigating these barriers, individuals
and organizations can enhance the clarity, accuracy,
and impact of their communication efforts.
What are the types of communication?
The types of communication can be categorized into
verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal
communication involves the use of words, either
spoken or written, to convey messages. It includes oral
communication such as meetings, presentations, and
performance reviews, as well as written communication
in the form of letters, memos, reports, and emails . On
the other hand, non-verbal communication refers to
conveying meanings without the use of verbal
language, such as through gestures, facial expressions,
posture, and attire. Non-verbal communication can
have a signi cant impact on personal and business
relationships, particularly in the workplace .
Furthermore, communication can be classi ed as
internal and external. Internal communication occurs
within an organization and includes face-to-face
interactions, written communication like memos and
reports, as well as electronic communication such as
emails and video conferencing. External
communication, on the other hand, involves
interactions with individuals or entities outside the
organization, such as customers, suppliers, and the
general public. It encompasses various forms of
advertising, contact letters, telephone calls, web
content, and other means of making the public aware
of the organization's products or services .
In addition to these broad categories, communication
can also be formal or informal. Formal communication
follows established channels and protocols within an
organization, such as o cial memos, reports, and
planned meetings. Informal communication, on the
other hand, includes casual conversations, uno cial
exchanges of information, and spontaneous
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i n t e r a c t i o n s t h a t m a y n o t a d h e re t o f o r m a l
organizational structures .
These various types of communication play crucial
roles in organizational functioning, personal
interactions, and the dissemination of information in
society. Understanding the distinctions between these
types of communication is essential for e ective and
e cient communication in diverse contexts.
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Process of Communication (Short Question)
Communication means passing information from one
person to another so they can understand each other.
There are six important parts to this process:
Sender: The person who starts the communication.
They decide what to say and how to say it.
Message: The actual information or idea that the
sender wants to share.
Encoding: The sender turns their message into words,
pictures, or gestures to express it.
Channel: The way the message is sent, like talking in
person, sending a text, or using the internet etc.
Receiver: The person who gets the message and tries
to understand it.
Feedback: After receiving the message, the receiver
responds to let the sender know if they understood it or
not.
Noise: Anything that makes communication harder, like
a bad phone connection or misunderstanding.
Process of Communication (Long Question)
Communication is the process of passing information
and understanding from one person to another. The
communication process involves six basic elements:
sender (encoder), message, channel, receiver
(decoder), noise, and feedback.
1. Sender: The sender initiates the communication
process. The sender encodes a message, and selects a
channel for transmitting the message to a receiver.
2. Message: It is the information, idea, view, fact,
feeling, etc. that is generated by the sender and is then
intended to be communicated to the receiver.
3. Encoding: The message generated by the sender is
encoded symbolically such as in the form of words,
pictures, gestures, etc. before it is being conveyed.
4. Channel: It is the manner in which the encoded
message is transmitted. The message may be
transmitted orally or in writing. The medium of
communication includes telephone, internet, post, fax,
e-mail, etc. The choice of medium is decided by the
sender.
5. Decoding: It is the process of converting the
symbols encoded by the sender. After decoding, the
message is received by the receiver.
6. Receiver: The receiver is the person who is last in
the chain and for whom the message was sent by the
sender.
Once the receiver receives message and understands it
properly and acts according to the message, only then
the purpose of communication is successful.
7. Feedback: Once the receiver con rms to the sender
that he has received the message and understood it,
the process of communication is complete.
8. Noise: It refers to any obstruction that is caused by
the sender, message or receiver during the process of
communication. For example, bad telephone
connection, faulty encoding, faulty decoding,
inattentive receiver, poor understanding of message
due to prejudice or inappropriate gestures, etc
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Process of Communication
Communication is the act of conveying information and
understanding from one person to another. This
process involves six fundamental elements: the sender
(encoder), the message, the channel, the receiver
(decoder), noise, and feedback.
Sender: The sender initiates the communication
process by encoding a message and selecting a
channel for transmitting it to the receiver.
Message: The message is the content itself, which can
be an idea, information, perspective, fact, emotion, or
any other form of communication intended for the
receiver.
Encoding: The sender symbolically encodes the
message using words, pictures, gestures, or other
means before conveying it.
Channel: This refers to the method or medium through
which the encoded message is transmitted. Channels
can include oral communication, written
communication, telephones, the internet, postal
services, fax machines, emails, and more. The choice
of channel is determined by the sender's preference.
Decoding: Decoding is the process by which the
receiver interprets and converts the symbols encoded
by the sender back into meaningful information.
Receiver: The receiver is the nal link in the
communication chain. They are the intended recipient
of the message, and the success of communication
d e p e n d s o n w h e t h e r t h e re c e i v e r re c e i v e s ,
comprehends, and acts upon the message as intended.
Feedback: Communication is considered complete
when the receiver acknowledges receipt of the
message, con rms understanding, and responds
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accordingly. Feedback closes the loop, ensuring that
the message's purpose has been achieved.
Noise: Noise refers to any disruptions or obstacles that
may interfere with the communication process. This
can include factors such as a poor telephone
connection, errors in encoding or decoding,
distractions that make the receiver inattentive, or
misunderstandings due to prejudice or inappropriate
gestures.
Debasish Mohanta
Unit 2
(i) Listening :
Philosopher Diogenes puts emphasis on listening when
he says; we have two ears and one tongue in order that
we may hear more and speak less'.
According to Oxford Dictionary, 'listening' is giving
attention to sound or action. When listening one hears
what others say and try to understand what it means.
Act of listening is a complex work which involves
cognitive, a ective 2 behavioural process.
Listening is an important component of Communication
Process. Communication is a two way process. It
requires a communicator and a receiver. The purpose
of communication is achieved when the receiver
receives the message, which has been sent by the
sender.
LISTENING IN ORAL COMMUNICATION :
Listening is an important aspect of oral communication.
No oral communication can be e ective without proper
listening. Good communication needs good listening
skill.
Di erent stages of listening.
There are four stages of listening.
1. Noticing minutely (Preception) :
The process of listening begin when the listener hear
some sounds and concentrate on them. Listening is of
value when the listener notice minutely what the
speaken says. A carefull
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