Question

Explain the following as 'semantic barriers to communication':
(i) Faulty translations
(ii) Unclarified assumptions

Answer 1

Semantic Barriers to Communication

Semantic barriers are related to problems and obstructions in the process of encoding and decoding the message. They arise from the incorrect understanding of words and symbols used in communication.

(i) Faulty Translations:

This occurs when the message is translated poorly from one language to another, changing the original meaning. This is common in organisations where messages are shared across regions or languages.

Example: A manager sends an English message that is incorrectly translated into Hindi, leading to confusion among the employees.

(ii) Unclarified Assumptions:

Sometimes the sender assumes that the receiver already understands certain things, and hence does not clarify them. These unspoken assumptions may lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Example: A manager tells a new employee to follow "standard procedure" without explaining what it is, assuming the employee already knows it.

Conclusion: Faulty translations and unclarified assumptions can distort the intended meaning of the message and hinder effective communication within an organisation.