Which of the following statements are true in respect of communication? A.…
2023
Which of the following statements are true in respect of communication?
A. Communicated meanings are always ambiguous.
B. Words are symbols for concepts.
C. Labels may be ambiguous.
D. Symbols are usually understood within a group.
E. Sharing of meaning is not possible in communication.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: B. B, C and D only — ConceptCommunication uses symbols to create and share meaning. A symbol has a conventionally learned relationship with a concept, and its interpretation…
- A.
A, B and C only
- B.
B, C and D only
- C.
C, D and E only
- D.
A, B and E only
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
Communication uses symbols to create and share meaning. A symbol has a conventionally learned relationship with a concept, and its interpretation depends on context and the community using it. Ambiguity can occur, but it is not an unavoidable feature of every message.
Application
B states that words represent concepts; this is the symbolic function of language.
C allows that labels may have more than one interpretation; context is therefore relevant.
D reflects conventional meaning: a group can understand a symbol because its members share the convention.
A uses the absolute word “always”; communication can be clear when context and codes are shared, so ambiguity is not universal.
E denies the possibility of sharing meaning, whereas sharing meaning is a central purpose of communication.
Cross-check and contrast
A, B and C only includes the overgeneralized statement A and leaves out the convention-based statement D.
B, C and D only contains the three statements supported by the symbolic and contextual nature of communication.
C, D and E only includes the impossibility claim E and leaves out the symbolic role stated in B.
A, B and E only includes both absolute claims A and E and leaves out C and D.
Therefore, the true statements are B, C and D; the accepted value is B, C and D only.