The two models of Communication

Transmission Model:
The authors of the text describe the transmission model of communication as a message being transported from one place/person to another. They compare a message being sent/received to the literal method of transporting goods. They give the example of someone talking into the phone, being sent along the phone lines and received on the other end by the listener. The give a diagram to illustrate this process:

Source -> Message -> Receiver

They go on to say that this models assumes all communication is done this way (linearly) and that the message is subject to understanding and must be received like it is intended. There is a likelihood of inaccuracy if there is a misunderstanding of the message.

Cultural Model:
This model of communication depends on "the idea of the production of a common culture through which the concept of communication is closely tied to the notions of community and communion." The authors say this method is the most prevalent communication theory today. What I gathered about this model is that culture has a great impact on the way messages are interpreted. Like we talked about in class, what is said in one place can mean a different thing somewhere else. We used the example of the phrase "my door is open" to explain this.

Everyone's experiences in life are different, thus yielding different interpretations of messages. This also applies to actions and body language. In many cultures, it is seen as impolite to look someone in the eye while talking to them, whereas in America it is seen as rude NOT to look someone in the eye. Culture plays a large role in correctly interpreting messages.