The Association for Communication Administration defines the communication discipline as a body of
research, study and application focusing on "how, why, and with what effects people communicate through spoken language and associated nonverbal
messages." Central to this definition is the concept of human symbolic interaction. Discuss what human symbolic interaction is and why it is central to the study of communication. Finally, provide an example of how you use human symbolic interaction in your life.
What will be an ideal response?
Human symbolic interaction is the use of a language system, including words and nonverbal
communication, to express thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, customs, and ideas. All human
communication occurs in and through symbolic interaction. Symbolic interaction is the common
thread that unifies the practice of communication in all facets of our lives, including (but not
limited to) interpersonal communication, communication within groups, organizations, and
cultures, and communication observed in the media. Symbolic interaction is central to
communication because symbols allow us to express meaning. Without a shared system of
symbols to interact with, communication would be impossible. Examples could vary from student
to student. Any form of interaction would be appropriate. In general, examples should illustrate
how we use shared language and/or nonverbal communication to express meaning.
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