Semantic barriers:
Semantics is the branch of linguistics which deals with the meaning of words and sentences. Semantic barriers of communication are associated with problems and obstructions in the process of encoding and decoding of message into words/impressions. Generally, such barriers emerge due to the use of incorrect words, faulty translation, variations in interpretation, etc. These are discussed below:
(i) Badly expressed message:
Sometimes, a manager may be unable to convey the intended meaning to his followers or subordinates. These badly-expressed messages may be due to incorrect vocabulary, usage of wrong words, omission of the required words or statements etc.
(ii) Symbols with different meanings:
One word may have multiple meanings. The receiver of ‘ the message has to perceive one such meaning for the word used by the communicator. Wrong perception results into communication problems.
(iii) Faulty translations:
Sometimes, communication originally drafted in one language (for e.g., English) requires to be translated into the language understandable to the employees (for e.g., Hindi). If the translator is not proficient in both English as well as Hindi, mistakes may emerge resulting into different meanings to communication.
(iv) Unclear assumptions:
At times, communication may have certain assumptions which are subject to different interpretations. For example, a superior may tell his subordinate, “Take care of our guests”. Here, the superior may mean that the subordinate should take care of transport, food and’ accommodation of the guests until they stay there. However, the subordinate may interpret that guests should be taken to the hotel with due care. In such circumstances, the guests suffer due to these unclear assumptions.
(v) Technical jargon:
Mostly, it is observed that specialists use technical jargon while explaining things to persons who are not specialists in the respective field. Therefore, they may not understand the actual meaning of various such words.
(vi) Body language and gesture decoding:
Every movement of body communicates some or the other meaning. The body movement and gestures of the communicator matter a lot in conveying the right message. If there is mismatch between what is said and what is expressed in body movements, communication may be wrongly perceived.
