Final answer:
Communication that treats individuals as unique is centered around the respect of personal identity conveyed through language and symbols, viewing interactions within the Symbolic Interactionist Theory. This mode of communication acknowledges the inherent worth and dignity of each person, facilitating collaboration and understanding across different social groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communication as Unique Individual Interaction
Communication in which people treat each other as unique individuals is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. This type of communication is often highlighted within the framework of Symbolic Interactionist Theory, which is a micro-level theory focusing on the relationships among individuals within a society. The theory suggests that communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is key to how people understand their social worlds and that it allows for the acknowledgment of each person's worth, dignity, and respect.
When individuals engage in communication while recognizing and respecting each other's personal idiolects, cultures, and contextual identities, they are exhibiting a form of interaction that honors the unique qualities of each participant. Such respect in communication not only bridges cultural and societal gaps, creating an understanding of 'us' versus 'them,' but also is essential for effective collaboration and social cohesion. As communicators, utilizing specific terms or jargon uniquely tailored for the interaction, enunciating clearly, and using respectful language facilitate this recognition of individuality.
Every interaction is thus an opportunity to signal aspects of one's identity and to respect those of others, whether they belong to a minority group or any other social group. This respect for individuality within communication is an essential part of being human and is integral to social interaction and understanding in a multiethnic, multicultural society.