COM1511 Assignment 1 Semester 1 Memo | Due 2 April 2025

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COM1511 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due 2 April 2025. All questions answered with references. LEARNING UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION 1.1 For the purpose of this module, we define communication as “the sharing of meaning from one entity to another”. With this definition in mind, discuss the African perspective of communication. Include examples of types of communication illustrating the African perspective of communication. (3) 1.2 Read the scenario below before you answer this question: Lucy was running late to an important meeting and needed to inform her colleague, Thabo, right away. She quickly dialled his number and spoke into her phone, hoping he would understand her situation. Though her voice was clear at the start, the noisy construction equipment outside her office caused her words to sound slightly muffled. Thabo strained to listen, piecing together what Lucy was saying about running late and proposing a new meeting time. After catching most of her hurried explanation, he responded with a quick, “Got it— thanks for the heads up!” Hearing this reply made Lucy breathe a sigh of relief, knowing her message had got through despite the interference. The Shannon-Weaver model of communication is based on the idea that communication is a process of transmitting information from a sender to a receiver through a channel. This model consists of seven basic elements. Identify and explain the seven elements as depicted in the scenario. (7) [Total 10] LEARNING UNIT 3: COMMUNICATION THEORIES A theory is defined as a rational type of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the results of such thinking. The process of contemplative and rational thinking is often associated with processes such as observational study. 2.1 Define agenda-setting theory (5), then explain the two distinct levels of agenda-setting theory (5). 2.2 In two sentences, what do we mean we talk about DE-CENTRING AND RE-CENTRING? (3) 2.3 What is your understanding of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS)? Give examples of IKS from your childhood experiences. (7) [Total 20] LEARNING UNIT 5: COMMUNICATION BARRIERS 3.1 What do intergenerational trauma barriers refer to? (2) 3.2 Read the scenario below to answer this question: During a morning strategy meeting at Redwood Marketing, Sarah presented her proposal for a client’s new campaign. Moments after she began, loud drilling from a neighbouring construction site overwhelmed the conference room, making it difficult for anyone to hear her clearly. As she tried to project her voice above the noise, Sarah’s slides were filled with technical jargon that some colleagues found unfamiliar, leaving them confused about her core ideas. Meanwhile, Mr Mashele, one of the managers, had been suffering from a bad cold for days; his congested ears made it hard to pick up what Sarah was saying, and his low energy prevented him from asking clarifying questions. On top of that, Ms Ramirez, the team leader, was feeling uneasy about the looming project deadline and doubted whether Sarah’s plan would be effective at all. These conflicting emotions caused Ms Ramirez to interpret Sarah’s presentation defensively, further compounding the group’s misunderstanding. By the end of the meeting, several key points of the proposal had been lost, overshadowed by the noise, the technical language, physical discomfort and lingering apprehensions in the room. Identify and explain four types of barriers to communication depicted in the scenario. Also indicate how these barriers can be overcome. (8) [Total 10]