During the last meeting, we defined communication as a process wherein one individual transmits information / messages to another individual or group of individuals who are capable of responding appropriately. It is also important to note that this process (communication) depends on the degree of closeness, social backgrounds and culture of the participating parties.
It was DARK! A very tiring and mind-squeezing conference of student leaders which I have participated in just ended. As I was walking down the silent street, I was deeply thinking as to whether I would be scolded or not. It was late in the evening and teens like I should have been catching some Z's at home.
When I arrived home, I was welcomed by the an old scene - my brother on the sofa, being surrounded by his academic stuffs.
"Thank God, my parents are asleep," I said to myself.
With some legal-sized papers on my hand, I confidently passed by to where my brother was seated. Then he called my attention.
"Poy, pwede ko magpatabang ug buhat sa akong speech? Magpa-translate unta ko ani sa Nihinggo," he said.
"Okay. Unsa man ang imong ipa-translate?," I replied and asked in return.
"I can speak Nihinggo fluently!" he responded.
"Watashi wa, Nihonggo O' uhmmmmm....." I said with obvious doubts as to whether I am saying the right thing. "Ayaw na lang pagbutang ug Nihonngo dinha kay dili nako kaya i-translate nang statement na nah sa Nihonggo. I ate sushi last night, kaya pa nako nah!" I added.
What he replied was just so terrible and heart-crushing. He said, "Ah! Anah kah! Mao ganing magpatabang ko nimo kay dili ko kabalo mag-Nihonggo unya mag-ana pah ka..."
This situation clearly reveals a common barrier of communication - misheard-misinterpretation tandem! From the situation above, my brother "misheard" some words I have uttered. He thought I said "dili nimo kaya i-translate" where in fact, I said, "dili nako kaya". With that, he bursted into anger and replied an inappropriate response.
I define communication right now as a COMPLEX process between 2 or more individuals who are both capable of responding APPROPRIATELY. It isn't just a linear model just like that of Aristotle. It is a complex process which includes the barriers and the different ways of how messages are transmited. Plus, it is also rotating in the sense that the participating parties exchange messages among them.
DOn't worry... My brother and I would get along well any minute from now. God bless U! :-)
