Roman Jakobson’s Model of the Functions of Language or Six Elements or Factors of Communication

Summary

This video introduces Roman Jakobson's model of the functions of language, emphasizing the essential elements for successful communication. Communication involves six key factors: the addresser (sender), addressee (receiver), message (content), context (background or reason), code (shared language), and contact (physical and psychological channels). Jakobson's model highlights how these components interact to ensure effective communication, with each factor playing a crucial role in making the exchange meaningful and successful.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication is the act of sharing or being in relation with others, derived from the Latin word 'communicare'.
• 😀 Effective communication requires at least two participants: the sender (addresser) and the receiver (addressee).
• 😀 Roman Jakobson, a Russian-American linguist, introduced a model of the functions of language with six key communication factors.
• 😀 The addresser (sender) is responsible for initiating communication, which can be a speaker, writer, or any individual transmitting information.
• 😀 The addressee (receiver) is the person who receives the message, such as a listener, reader, or audience.
• 😀 The message is the content being exchanged between the addresser and the addressee, such as an idea or opinion.
• 😀 Context refers to the background or situation in which communication takes place; it is essential for understanding the message.
• 😀 Code represents the shared language or communication system (e.g., English, Arabic) between the addresser and addressee.
• 😀 Without a common code, communication cannot take place. Both parties must share the same language for effective exchange.
• 😀 Contact refers to both the physical and psychological channels used for communication, such as face-to-face interaction or digital media.
• 😀 A successful communication process requires both physical and psychological connection between the addresser and the addressee.

Q & A

What is communication and why is it important in the context of language functions?

Communication is the process of sharing information, thoughts, or ideas between individuals. It is essential in the context of language functions because it forms the basis for understanding and interaction between people. Without communication, there can be no meaningful exchange of ideas.

What does the term 'communication' come from, and what does it signify?

'Communication' comes from the Latin word 'communicare,' which means 'to share' or 'to be in relation with.' This highlights that communication involves both sharing information and establishing a relationship between individuals.

According to the transcript, how many people are required for communication to be successful?

At least two people are required for communication to be successful: one person to send the information (addresser) and another to receive it (addressee). Without both, communication cannot occur.

Who is Roman Jakobson, and what is his contribution to the study of language?

Roman Jakobson was a Russian-American linguist who introduced a model of the functions of language. His model emphasizes six crucial factors of communication that are necessary for communication to occur effectively.

What are the six key factors of communication according to Jakobson’s model?

The six key factors of communication are: Addresser (sender), Addressee (receiver), Message (content), Context (background/situation), Code (shared language), and Contact (physical and psychological channels).

What role does the 'addresser' play in the communication process?

The addresser is the sender of the message. This could be anyone who initiates communication, such as a speaker, writer, teacher, or any individual conveying information.

Why is the 'addressee' an essential part of the communication process?

The addressee is the receiver of the message. Communication requires at least one person to send and another to receive the information. Without the addressee, the communication process cannot be completed.

What does 'context' refer to in Jakobson's model of communication?

Context refers to the background or situation in which the communication takes place. It provides meaning to the message and explains the reason for the communication. Without context, communication may lack clarity or significance.

What is meant by 'code' in the context of communication?

Code refers to the shared language or medium between the addresser and the addressee. For communication to be successful, both parties must share the same language or code (e.g., English, Arabic, Chinese, etc.).

What is the significance of 'contact' in the communication process?

Contact refers to both the physical and psychological channels through which communication occurs. Physically, this could be direct speech or technology (like phone calls). Psychologically, it involves the mental connection between the addresser and addressee, where both are engaged in the communication process.

How does Jakobson's model contribute to understanding successful communication?

Jakobson’s model provides a structured approach to understanding the necessary elements for effective communication. By identifying six key factors—addresser, addressee, message, context, code, and contact—it helps to analyze and ensure that all components are in place for communication to be successful.