Final answer:
Communication is defined as the transactional process involving the negotiation of verbal and nonverbal symbols to achieve a shared understanding. The transactional nature implies an ongoing, dynamic exchange where meaning is negotiated. The process is influenced by culture, context, and individual traits, aiming for a deep comprehension of exchanged information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communication can be defined as the transactional process by which people negotiate the meanings of verbal and nonverbal symbols in order to achieve shared understanding. In this context, 'transactional' implies that communication is an ongoing process involving a series of exchanges where all parties involved are both senders and receivers of information; they are not only delivering messages but also simultaneously receiving and processing feedback. This dynamic aspect of communication is what allows individuals to negotiate meaning, which goes beyond mere transmission of information.
Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective which helps to understand this process by examining how individuals interact with one another within society through the use of language and symbols. In communicative acts, people use various codes and dialects, often employing code-switching in response to different contexts and interlocutors.
It's crucial to recognize that communication styles can be strongly influenced by multiple factors, including culture, gender, age, and individual personality traits, and in certain settings, finding a balance between being clear and diplomatic can be essential, especially in professional environments. The goal of any communicative act is to reach a shared understanding or verstehen, a deep comprehension of one another's perspective through the exchange of verbal and nonverbal cues.