Communication has been an essential part of our lives since the beginning. It develops understanding among people. The Evolution of Communication is an ongoing process. With the advancements of modern technology, communication methods have been changing. Life would have been so hard without communication. Solving problems, writing, reading, understanding, all of these would be impossible without communicating. We have been using different communication methods. These methods helped us deliver almost everything.
What is Communication?
It is the process of exchanging words, signs, or information with others. It is done either verbally or non-verbally. Communication enables us to pass information. We understand others because of communication. Effective communication brings people closer and together. Being able to communicate well is important for every human being. Communication is important in personal as well as corporate life. There are different people to communicate with. Our voices are heard only through communicating.
Every day we use different ways to communicate. For example, from your daily email to the radio we listen, the communication process is going on. Life without communication would be impossible to live. We understand and perceive things only because of this. The main purpose is to clearly convey our messages to each other.
Types of Communication:
There are two main types of communication used on daily basis:
Verbal Communication:
Verbal communication is also known as spoken communication. It includes face-to-face interaction. Television, radio, and other media can also be counted in this type. For example, every day we greet other people at work. This is an example of verbal communication. It requires interpersonal skills. Misunderstandings are rare when we speak through words. The use of speech makes it easier to make others understand the idea. Lesser time is required to speak. Verbal communication plays an integral role in maintaining successful and positive relationships.
However, it also includes a written form of communication. Letters, emails, notes, and reports, etc all are examples of this type. These can be kept as a record and preferred in business use.
Non Verbal Communication:
This type of communication generally involves body language and gestures. Non-verbal does not use words to communicate. The type of communication is very important in the organizations. For example, postures and body language is evaluated in interviews and meetings. This particular skill can make or break the relationships of the person at personal as well as at the professional front.
The Aid of Technology in Communication:
The technology has modified the methods of communication. Every year, new devices are introduced. We use them to communicate. The Internet has made evolution of communication more effective. We can send messages with just one click. Computers, mobile phones, laptops, radios, etc, all help us to communicate. Before the Industrial Revolution and even sometime after that, People had to wait for days, weeks, and months to hear from others. But now technology has made it easier. The latest applications, devices enable us to have secure communication with others.
Evolution in the Communication Methods:
Humans have been using different methods to communicate from the beginning. Let’s have a look at the history of human communication briefly.
Cave Paintings:
Cave Paintings are the oldest methods of communicating. They were used to mark territories. Major events were also recorded through these paintings. They are usually found on the walls and ceilings of caves. Symbolic as well as religious functions were shown in these paintings. Chauvet Cave in France has the oldest cave painting. That painting was made around 30,000 B.C. South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Coliboaia Cave in Romania has the earliest cave paintings Wpc2027.
Symbols for Communication:
Different signs and symbols were used to deliver messages. Rock Carvings (Petroglyphs) were introduced in 10,000 B.C. These rock paintings drew pictures to convey stories. The carvings on the rock surface were also known as Rock Art. Later on, graphic symbols were used to present ideas or concepts. Chinese created characters for communication as well. Alphabets were created at the last.Evolution of communication was easier after the alphabet.
Smoke Signals:
These signals were used to send messages. They were mostly used in China. Chinese guards released smoke into the air. Smoke is depicted as a message to The Great Wall of China. A famous Greek Historian Polybius used smoke signals to represent the alphabet.
Carrier Pigeons:
Pigeons are known well for their directions. They were known to find their home, even after traveling long distances. People used to attach small letters to their necks, hoping they would fly to the receiver. Pigeons were also used by Ancient Romans to tell owners how their entries had been placed. They carried essential messages and helped in evolution of communication.
Postal System:
With raising awareness, people started to use courier services. Letters were delivered from one person to another through postal services. These systems were organized in India, China, Persia, and Rome. A Frenchman De Valyer started a postal system in 1653. The use of mailboxes and delivery of letters was done through the system.
Newspapers:
Newspapers are still a wide form of communication used. Every other house has a newspaper delivery every day. These papers deliver written news and also other important national events taking place. Two types of Newspapers are National and International. Their types depend upon the news they deliver about. The first printing press system was introduced in 1440 by German Johannes Gutenberg. The newspaper started to get more attention and changed communication forever.
Radios:
With the advent of Print Media, Radios were introduced after that. Radios are a source of news as well as entertainment for people. Wireless signals were studied and tested in detail. The scientists practiced using wireless power to share content. Radios are still installed in mobile phones, car systems. They were once a very important medium of communication.
Telegraph:
The first electrical communication system to send text messages was called Telegraph. Sending letters required energy and patience to wait for a reply. Telegraphs were introduced to send text messages more quickly than written messages. It helped in sending information across the country.
Telephone:
The first telephone was introduced by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. Within 50 years of its invention, telephones became an essential part of every household and office. The devices transmitted human audio into signals. These signals were then transmitted through wires. Landline telephone service began in 1900s. People could talk on calls for hours through long distances. It was the most reliable form of the communication system. Mobile phones were introduced in 1973 and the mode of communication was changed entirely.
Television:
Even today, Televisions are a great source of entertainment. They are a mode of indirect communication to the larger audience. Many people in history put in tremendous efforts to introduce Televisions. The early Televisions displayed black and white pictures after the World War II. But with the advancement, colors were added to the screen. Today, there are several features in Televisions that provide us more entertainment and information.
Internet:
The world of the Web has brought people closer. Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1990. Satellites support the internet. Through the internet, we can search for anything, anywhere in the whole world. Wireless connections via Wi-Fi began in 1991. Since then, people seem to be addicted to the internet. Nowadays, every small activity of our lives, business, and education involves the use of the internet. We highly depend upon the internet for our development as a nation as well as a generation.
E-mail:
Microsoft Business Email is the most formal way of communication used in offices. John Vittal in 1975 developed a software to support mails. From that invention, many mailing platforms have been created. E-mails are better for record-keeping and cost-saving.
Text Message:
Various network providers are used for sending text messages. The first text message was sent by Neil Papworth, an engineer, in 1992. From that day to now, text messaging has been a game of few minutes. People instantly chat through text messages. With advanced internet, online messaging apps have been introduced. These applications help connect people. They share texts through the internet.
Social Media:
People share their entire life events on social media. Social media platforms help people share pictures, videos, and almost everything on the internet. It is the latest mode of communication in the digital world. Smart phones have made this more convenient. Social media apps can be downloaded into smart phones. Users of social media in this generation are obsessed with these platforms. They share the daily smudge of their lives on these apps. Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate. We can see what other people are doing through their social media profiles. It is now easy to check up on your friends who live far.
Communication has been made a lot easier. Distance is not an issue anymore. You can talk to any person you want, either living far or near. Better communication has helped us gain better social skills. From verbal speech to our text messages, we communicate about life each day. A feature of privacy through end to end encryption has been added to our daily communication through cell phones and other gadgets.
Conclusion:
We cannot deny the fact that communication is an essential core system of our lives. We understand and percept the world through communication. Life would feel incomplete without interacting with others. The older methods of communication were cave paintings, smoke signals, symbols, carrier pigeons, and telegraph. The latest and modern ways are more convenient and efficient. For example, Television, Cell Phones, Internet, E-mails, Social media, and Text messaging. Evolution of communication technology has made progress over thousands of years. This evolution will continue to grow so with the changing world.
