Editing Communication (section)

{{Short description|Transmission of information}}
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{{Redirect|Communicate}}
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{{multiple image
|perrow            = 2 / 2 / 2
|total_width       = 350
|image1            = Stephen_Avenue_3.jpg
|alt1              = Statue of two businessmen talking
|link1             = Spoken language
|image2            = Sign_language,_2014_(01).jpg
|alt2              = Photo of two women using sign language
|link2             = Sign language
|image3            = Athanasios Rousopoulos to Ioannis Koletis 1845.jpg
|alt3              = Photo of a letter
|link3             = Writing
|image4            = Little_bird_singing.jpg
|alt4              = Photo of a singing bird
|link4             = Animal communication
|image5            = Sharing_Information.jpg
|alt5              = Photo of two bees interacting with each other
|link5             = Bee learning and communication#Dance communication
|image6            = Pioneer_plaque.svg
|alt6              = Illustration of the Pioneer plaque
|link6             = Pioneer plaque
|footer            = There are many forms of communication, including [[Human communication|human linguistic communication]] using sounds, sign language, and writing as well as [[Animal communication|animals exchanging information]] and attempts to communicate with intelligent [[extraterrestrial life]].
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'''Communication''' is commonly defined as the transmission of [[information]]. Its precise definition is disputed and there are disagreements about whether [[Intention|unintentional]] or failed transmissions are included and whether communication not only transmits [[semantics|meaning]] but also creates it. [[Models of communication]] are simplified overviews of its main components and their interactions. Many models include the idea that a source uses a [[code|coding]] system to express information in the form of a message. The message is sent through a [[Communication channel|channel]] to a receiver who has to decode it to understand it. The main field of inquiry investigating communication is called [[communication studies]].

A common way to classify communication is by whether information is exchanged between humans, members of other species, or non-living entities such as computers. For human communication, a central contrast is between [[Verbal communication|verbal]] and [[non-verbal communication]]. Verbal communication involves the exchange of messages in [[Language|linguistic]] form, including spoken and written messages as well as [[sign language]]. Non-verbal communication happens without the use of a [[linguistic system]], for example, using [[body language]], [[Sense of touch|touch]], and facial expressions. Another distinction is between [[interpersonal communication]], which happens between distinct persons, and [[intrapersonal communication]], which is communication with oneself. [[Communicative competence]] is the ability to communicate well and applies to the skills of formulating messages and understanding them.

Non-human forms of communication include [[Animal communication|animal]] and [[plant communication]]. Researchers in this field often refine their definition of communicative behavior by including the criteria that observable responses are present and that the participants benefit from the exchange. Animal communication is used in areas like [[Courtship display|courtship]] and mating, parent–offspring relations, navigation, and self-defense. Communication through chemicals is particularly important for the relatively immobile plants. For example, [[maple]] trees release so-called [[volatile organic compound]]s into the air to warn other plants of a [[herbivore]] attack. Most communication takes place between members of the same species. The reason is that its purpose is usually some form of cooperation, which is not as common between different species. [[Interspecies communication]] happens mainly in cases of [[Symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationships. For instance, many flowers use symmetrical shapes and distinctive colors to signal to insects where [[nectar]] is located. Humans engage in interspecies communication when interacting with [[pet]]s and [[Working animal|working animals]].

Human communication has a long [[History of communication|history]] and how people exchange information has changed over time. These changes were usually triggered by the development of new [[communication technology|communication technologies]]. Examples are the invention of [[Writing system|writing systems]], the development of mass printing, the use of radio and television, and the invention of the internet. The technological advances also led to new forms of communication, such as the [[Computer network|exchange of data between computers]].