Question

When using language in small group, it is desirable to use specific and concrete language. Identify ambiguous language that may cause your group to suffer a miscommunication. How can your language choice lead to a breakdown of communication? What are the characteristics of a specific type of listening that will help to avoid a breakdown of communication?

Answer 1

Vocabulary is the essence of every language. It can cause ambiguity in communication amongst a small team if you use confusing words which have different meaning in certain circumstances. Sometimes words which are not easily understood in public domain of the language can also create miss understanding. For example, saying we need to finish the task by end of evening. Now this sentence is ambiguous since it doesn’t give away clear timeline and can lead to certain assumptions in team members comprehended version of the sentence. Hence it is imperative to use simple & plain language to communicate amongst teams.

Also using language which is not common to all the members is the biggest reason for the communication breakdown. Regionalism plays big part in this. Sometimes professional from native place use the language to communicate which is not known to other team members leads to communication breakdown.

Comprehensive listening type is best fit for avoiding communication breakdown. It puts importance on the message that is being communicated through the language. Hence through this listening even one ambiguous words are being used, team members can understand core message being communicated.