Funciones del Comunicador

Functions of the Communicator

Communication serves several functions in social life, where people interact in different roles and belong to groups. The video presents five essential functions, attributed to Safaris and Coleman in their book on oral communication.

1. Social Function

Communication helps people perform roles and follow expected behaviors in settings such as work, school, family, religion, and entertainment. Shared norms make it possible to interact appropriately.

Example: Requesting academic advising involves established steps and roles for students, advisors, and program coordinators.

2. Symbolic Function

Communication uses symbols, signals, and signs to represent facts, objects, and feelings. These symbols can carry positive or negative meanings and affect both the sender and the receiver.

Example: Emojis can convey emotions and influence how a message is understood.

3. Linguistic Function

This function concerns the language and style used to create a message. Communicators organize their ideas and choose words, pronunciation, and a language level suited to their audience.

Example: Sports commentators may use a distinctive, personal style when discussing a local team.

4. Organizational Function

Communication establishes and supports positions, hierarchies, roles, and procedures within groups and institutions. It enables information to flow and helps different parts of an organization coordinate their work.

Example: Advising services rely on communication among administrators, program coordinators, teachers, and students to arrange schedules, register students, and address questions.

5. Cultural Function

Communication passes on the habits, customs, values, and beliefs that shape a culture. It also helps people recognize similarities and differences between cultures.

Example: Greeting customs vary by country and may include handshakes, cheek kisses, or a slight bow. These customs can also change over time.

The video concludes that communicators should learn to express themselves effectively and efficiently.

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: An educational narrator or presenter; no personal name is given.
• Source cited: Safaris and Coleman, described in the subtitles as authors of a book on oral communication.