Download see his PPT on this

Functions & definitions of
communication
Communication is a tool we use to accomplish
specific needs. Various theories posit different
functions that are served by communication,
including social influence and relational
management. In addition, there are a number
of different ways of defining communication.
The functions and definitions used here are
not the correct ones; they are useful for our
purposes.
Functions of Communication
 Primary function – The primary function or use
of communication is to create an isomorphic
meme state with another .
 Secondary Function – The secondary function
or use of communication is to influence
another.
Definition of meme
At its simplest, a meme can be thought of as a
unit of cultural transmission. We might think of
it as a unit of meaning. Most important,
however, is that a meme is a replicator, and as
such exhibits many of the same properties as
a gene, a biological replicator. As a replicator a
meme must be bounded and discrete and
capable of being imitated. As a unit of
meaning, a meme has a cognitive component,
an attitudinal component, a value-based
component, and an affective component.
Definitions of communication
Common Elements

Shared symbol system


Problem: Shared symbol system not always
available.
Encoding and decoding

Problem: Does not suggest variability in extent
of cognitive mediation, i.e., How much does
communication rely on cognition? How much of
communication is simply stimulus-response?
Definitions of communication
Common Elements
 Movement of Message from A to B
 Problem: Message movement from A to B
is characteristic of only a subset of
communicative situations; memes never
move from A to B.
Message processing definition of
communication
Communication is the process by
which entities observe and exhibit
social stimuli in order to activate,
create, or ascertain meme states in
other entities with the goal of
creating isomorphic meme states
with those entities.
Advantages of mp definition of
communication

Encompasses and calls greater attention to the
grounding function of communication in which
participants endeavor to associate an agreedupon meaning with stimulus.
 Places locus of meaning in the interaction
between stimuli and communicator, not in the
message (i.e., messages do not mean anything;
they activate meaning).
Advantages of mp definition of
communication



Meaning qua message is not sent from A to B; rather
stimuli with meme activation potential (i.e., MAP) is cast to
the proximal environment of the intended communicative
participant.
Implicitly focuses attention on creating understanding (i.e.,
creating an isomorphic meme state) as the primary
function of communication.
Any and all levels of mediation are included and can be
differentiated, i.e., meme activation can occur with varying
degrees of mindfulness.