Theories of Human Communication

Frank Dance found three points of “critical conceptual differentiation” inattempts to define communication.

intentionality.

The first requirement for the field, according to Craig, is a common understanding of similarities and differences among theories.

Different definitions serve different functions and enable theorists to do different things.

There has been, then, considerable cross fertilization between communication andother disciplines: “While many disciplines have undoubtedly benefited from adopting a communication model, it is equally true that they, in turn, have added greatlyto our understanding of human interaction.”

identification, not deliberation, is the hallmark ofmeaning-creation in the narrative paradigm; the communicator and the audienceare equally active in co-constructing a shared story that makes sense to them byidentifying together the “good reasons” for that interpretation.

In Western thought, relationships existbetween two or more individuals. In many other traditions, relationships are morecomplicated and contextualized, often involving the larger community and evolving out of differences in social positions of role, status, and power.

Theories arespecial forms of communication, so theories constitute, or make, an experience ofcommunication.

Science often is associated with objectivity, standardization, and generalizability.