Page 4 Barriers to Communication

We communicate in various ways every day. 

Have you ever said something to someone, either in person or virtually, and had them misinterpret what you said? How did you solve the problem? Have you ever spoken to someone whose first language is not English? Were you able to have a successful conversation? What did you do to help you understand?

Miscommunications can happen simply because the connotation of a word has changed. Some examples of words' connotation that have changed over time are:

• Awful—Before, "awful" used to mean that someone was "awe-inspiring" or "worthy of awe", which more or less means that someone was incredible. Now, "awful" means "terrible", "nasty", or "bad."
• Naughty—Before, "naughty" used to mean that you had "naught" or "nothing." Now, "naughty" means to behave badly.
• Flirt —Before, "flirt" used to mean to kick something away or flicking an open fan or making a brisk or jerking motion. Now, "flirt" means to play with someone's emotions and/or try to connect with someone you are attracted to.

Another reason miscommunication can happen can be due to other issues such as:

• Language
• Culture
• Physical
• Organization