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3. "… communication is an ongoing process. Ideas originate in an individual’s cognitive
framework; they are coded and sent through some … channels; the messages are
received by another person, who responds accordingly to his own framework".
4. “Communication” is the symbolic interaction of two or more persons. If communication
is to occur, some stimulus must be received, the potential receiver of the message must
give it his attention, and the message must be intelligible".
5. "Communication has been broadly defined as “the sharing of experience”, and to some
extent all living organisms can be said to share experience. What makes human
communication unique is the superior ability to create and use symbols, for it is this
ability that enables humans to “share experiences indirectly and vicariously”(Goer,
1970, pp.4-5). A symbol can be defined as something used for or regarded as
representing something else. … Human communication is the process of creating a
meaning between two or more people".

DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION THEORY

Communication theory is the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting
information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.).
The term communication theory can refer to a single theory or be applied to a
body of theories that describe and/or explain communication.
Communication theory
• is any attempt to describe or explain the communication process;
• is a construction of what communication involves based on systematic observation;
• focuses on how messages are communicated between two entities, including how
messages are sent and received, and factors that can influence or affect changes in
the meaning of message throughout the process;
• identifies the means, methods, and elements of communication and feedback.
Communication Theory as a social science
The study of communication is a social science because it blends science and
humanities.
Some theories of communication have more of a scientific weight while others have more
of humanistic emphasis.
Communication is a social science because it focuses on
• human beings as the object of study;
• the degree to which scientific explanations of human behavior can be reached
without consideration of the humanistic knowledge of the observed person.

SEVEN TRADITIONS OF COMMUNICATION THEORY
(Craig)
1. Rhetorical: Communication is the practical art of discourse.
2. Semiotic: Communication is mediation by signs.
3. Phenomenological: Communication is the experience of dialogue with others.
4. Cybernetic: Communication is the flow of information.
5. Socio-psychological: Communication is the interaction of individuals.
6. Socio-cultural: Communication is the production and re-production of the social order.
7. Critical: Communication is a process in which all assumptions can be challenged.