Communication Theory
An introduction for communication practitioners
Authors: Désirée van Osch and Renée van Zijl
Why a really good book?
Extras
Content of the book
In their book, Désirée van Osch and Renée van Zijl explain communication theory in an accessible and clear manner. They discuss WHAT communication is for communication professionals. They do not address HOW you can use or execute communication, as many books have already been published on that subject. There is so much theory that they can only provide the main outlines. But logically organized. They showcase the work of the many communication scientists who have laid the foundations for the field.
Désirée and Renée address the basic concepts that are always somehow present when communicating. They explain the content of communication: information. After all, without information, there is no communication, whether it is consciously formulated or not.
The authors provide an overview of common communication systems and focus on communication as action. Visions of communication, its characteristics, and models, processes, and ways of communication are reviewed. They conclude the book with basic approaches for applying communication, which form a solid foundation for working with communication
Audience
This book is intended for students in applied sciences, such as communication, multimedia, and journalism. This book can also benefit communication practitioners who aim to enhance their understanding of communication and its underlying theories.
About the concept of communication
Communication is a commonly heard concept. People use it frequently. If something goes wrong in a situation, it is often, or rather, usually due to a failure in communication.’ Communication is a broad concept. It can be interpreted differently depending on the perspective from which it is viewed. Thus, psychologists place the human as an acting being at the center; sociologists and anthropologists look at the interaction between people or groups of people; linguists think of verbal exchanges; and, according to political scientists, communication is the mechanism through which power can be exercised. It is evidently a concept with substance. In this book, the focus is on the perspective of the profession denoted by the term ‘communication.’
All about the zebra
There is no greater contrast than between black and white, no greater visibility than through the combination of these two colours. The animal that displays these characteristics in all its glory is the stunning zebra. Yet, its colours serve as camouflage. In its surroundings, its black and white appearance makes it invisible. It is the same with communication. As a phenomenon, it is so striking and present in our world. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the view of it suddenly disappears.
Read this book. See the zebra. Enjoy reading.