FOLK MEDIA: Rising Advocacy for The Most Prevalent Media !!!

It is true that we need to grow up ourselves and society just to match the global standards. We have been transformed from clothes to food and from lifestyle to communication. And in context of communication, India has seen a massive evolvement. 

But fading off the significance of FOLK MEDIA is probably a loss to our society. Folk media is something which not only helps us informing in an effective way but it does connect us with our particular culture and tradition.

 Folk Media: Rising Advocacy an Essay by @KritikaBudhiraja

What is FOLK MEDIA?

Folk media also known as Traditional Media is a medium through which message or information is delivered with the help of folk dance, folk song, nukkad natak (street play), ras-leela, puppet show etc. This medium is still used in rural areas and remote areas as it’s considered as the simplest yet effective form as folk is always close to the hearts of the people.

Current Scenario of FOLK MEDIA:

It has been observed that folk media is only effective and useful in rural areas. Folk media has less significance in urban areas because more than half population has no interest in knowing about their folk and rest of the people has no idea of what folk really comprises of. The reason of folk media less happening is pretty clear when we already have got televisions, radios and of course, internet or social media. 

The use of advanced technology especially in urban areas has faded the significance of folk media in the cities. Folk Media and folk of our own state is only limited to the villagers and rural areas because there is less reach of internet and other advanced technologies. It is necessary for us to match the global standards by digitalizing ourselves but folk media is that element which will not only provide us information but helps us connect to our roots which is far more important for us.

Folk media will always let us know good things about our culture. It will help us explore our culture in a better way. Knowing about our own culture and tradition is the most important thing because we are what our roots are. We may ignore and escape but our folk will always remain in our nerves. So it’s better to know more about our culture. 

Government should start events that give immense knowledge to our youth and society about our folk. And folk media is the best way to take this initiative. Such things are more important in urban areas where more than half population has totally adopted western culture. Apart from connecting people to their roots, folk media will be helpful in increasing the tourism of the state and country.

Folk media is the oldest and most effective means of communication.

Irony is that, most of the people these days shying away from representing their own innovation, the traditional folk culture. That’s why it is important to promote messages through folk media in a creative manner which will create interest of the generation.

Folk media should never go out of style, we should represent our folk and tradition with proud. We should remove the dormancy of folk media by using this medium as its best.

***Thank You***

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Westley and MacLean’s Model of Communication: A Model that advocates the beginning at responds and emphasizes feedback

Westley and MacLean’s Model of Communication: A Model that advocates the beginning at responds and emphasizes feedback.

In the year of 1957, Westley and MacLean’s proposed a communication model. Both BruceWestley and Malcolm S. MacLean Jr. Westley worked in the university of Wisconsin, Madison in 1946-1968 and

In their model they give two contexts firstly the model can be seen as interpersonal and secondly its seen as mass communication. The difference between in these two contexts {mass communication and interpersonal communication} called the feedback.

The feedback is always direct in interpersonal communication but in the mass communication feedback is slow, late and indirect.

In the Westley and MacLean model of communication they gives one imp view of communication processes that any communication never start when we talk but it will start when other responds.

The communication does not start from the day one but actually it begins when the source or speaker receives signals or response or message from his surroundings or receiver ends.

For example  a girl preparing his room for Diwali festival searching bed sheet n curtain on web then suddenly she gets the idea by some site to decorate her room wall so she immediately call her sister and convey their idea ..So communication actually began with girl receiving idea from that website then further sending it to her sister...This is the actual point of view of Westly and MacLean model of communication.

This model explain us the strong relation between the surrounding and the signals and clear us the real clean processes of communication... Actually Westley and MacLean wants to says that, the communication processes not start when sender sending the message but it will start when receiver receiving and responding about the message. 

One of the most interesting things about this model is too, that it is not compulsory that the signals comes from surroundings are genuinely sent to start the communication processes or not sometimes thoughts suddenly comes in the mind when we see something or we can say we are not receiving signals intentionally but we are accidentally connect on that signals and receive some thoughts and ideas and start talking about that and communication processes goes on, as we see in the above example too.

Key Points to Note:

1. The model main point of view is accounts for Feedback.
2. The model has two contexts for communication processes. Interpersonal communication and Mass communication.
3. This communication model is predictive and descriptive vice-versa.
4. This communication model is always Two Dimensional.
5. This  model of communication is not multidimensional  as it not works in wider concept or not applicable in the large group, events etc
6. It also good for the communication where more than two sources involve.

Work Cited:
Sloan, D. (1990). Makers of the media mind: Journalism educators and their ideas. New York, NY, United States: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Kauth, J.-M., & Manca, L. (Eds.). (2015). Interdisciplinary essays on environment and culture: One planet, One humanity, and the media. United States: Lexington Books.
Folkerts, J., & Lacy, S. (2006). The media in your life: An introduction to mass communication- notebook. Delhi: Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd., Licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia.
A Conceptual Model For Communications Research. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2016, from http://www.aejmc.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Journalism-Quarterly-1957-Westley-31-8.pdf
Westley, B. H., & MacLean, M. S. (1957). A conceptual model for communications research. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 34(1), 31–38. 
Fiske, J., Fiske, H. J., Structuralism, & Fiske-style, R. B. (2010). Introduction to communication studies (3rd ed.). London: Routledge.

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Jakobson’s model of verbal communication: A model beyond basic transmission models.

Today we will be discussing a communication model, which moved beyond basic transmission models, focused on the significance of the codes and social contexts. Yes, you guessed it right !!!!  It’s Jakobson’s model of verbal communication.

  

As we all learn about communication that the exchange of ideas, information, etc. between two or more persons. In the process of communication from a speaker or sender, a message is transmitted, for whom this message is made or require called receiver.

 Some authors and sociologist gives their opinion about it as follows:

The process that occurs when ideas, information and feelings are conveyed between individuals or groups of individuals for deliberate purposes. (Buguley)

A process of transmitting and receiving verbal or non-verbal messages that produces a response (Murphy and Hildebrandt)

In the Communication Process Source/sender is who initiates the message and, Message is the information transmitted in to verbal and non-verbal way

Channel is medium through which messages reach the receiver, and Receiver is whom the message is targeted /addressed.

Some of the major factors which influence the communication are:

The person’s perception about the environment and

The cultural context of the interaction;

The person’s definition of acceptable space and distance, or personal space;

And the degree of time available for the communication.

All these above mentioned factors affect the process of communication, along with other factors which includes “Mode of Communication”

Modes of communication, those affect communication are

Verbal

Non-verbal.

Verbal communication:  In the verbal communication messages sent through words/language/vocal .

Non-verbal communication: The messages sent through body language gesture postures facial expression etc.

Roman Jakobson’s model based on the verbal communication, that is why it also Jakobson’s model of verbal communication.

In 1950 Roman Jakobson who was the Russian linguist, produce theory “concerning the purposes of the language used in human communication”.

This model of communication functions consists of two steps –

Elements of language use {factors of verbal communication}

What people do with the language when they use it {functions of verbal communication}.

Jackobson language function

Jakobson, advocated that, there are six elements, or factors  in an act of verbal communication:

A context

An addresser

An addressee

A contact between an addresser and addressee

A common code.

And

A message.

He always think and discuss about that; what happen when language focuses on certain element {like sender, receiver, channel.etc}in the communication process ,in that situation we have to practically focus on that.

Examples-

 I’m seriously sorry to disturb you, but would you please lower your tone of voice. (Emotive / expressive function àfocus on the sender)

Will you ready for it! (Conative / directive function à focus on the receiver)

It was a terribly hot day; the air was burning; one could hardly breathe even near the tree. (Informative / referential function à focus on the content)

It was a beautiful spring day; the air was like velvet; the air in the garden was blissful. (Poetic function à focus on the message)

Nice music! (Phatic function à focus on the contact/channel)

Model for textual analysis

Informative /referential function:

In this function we focuses on the content like explanation definition description etc

Expressive / emotive function:

In this function we focuses on sender’s attitude on the topic like positive, negative sentimental etc.

Similarly sender’s attitude towards receiver like equal, authority, personal, slidiatory etc.

It’s all reflects the choices of words or sentences or the structure they use.

Directive / Conative function:

In this function we focuses on the receiver by the two ways

Explicit- like order, request, demand, warning, advice etc.

Implicit- through expressive means changing people’s mind

Phatic function:

In this function we focuses on the channel or medium that used between the sender and receiver fot developing communication processes. It’s reflected the use of pronoun, rhetorical expressions etc.

                    

Poetic function:

In this function as shown in the name we focuses on poetic forms of the message like imaginary formats. Metaphors, simile, assonance etc.

Metalingual function:

In this function we always focuses on the language own means on their codes like how language turned back or how language use about language itself, like their terminology of linguistic, or adjective, pronoun, sentences etc.

Conclusion:

        Jakobson argued, that each of six factors outlined in his model,  determines a diverse linguistic function. The model strongly claims that, the messages and meanings cannot be isolated from contextual factors.

Work Cited:

Chandler, D. (2014, March 7). Semiotics for Beginners. Retrieved October 15, 2016, from. http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/sem08c.html

Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (Second Edition ed.). New York: Routledge.

Jakobson, R. (1960) ‘Closing statement: linguistics and poetics’ in Sebeok.

Jakobson, R. and Halle, M. (1956) The Fundamentals of Language, The Hague: Mouton.

Roman Jakobson (2016). . In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Jakobson

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The Newcomb’s ABX Model -: A Purposive theory to decode the role of communication in society.

The Newcomb’s ABX Model -: A Purposive theory to decode the role of communication in society.

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The Newcomb’s model/ ABX model of communication introduce by Theodore. M. Newcomb in 1953 at UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. He was known as a great pioneer in the field of social psychology. Newcomb gives a different approach of communication process.

As we say that Newcomb’s essence of life was his ABX model. He, who just focused on the communication cycle instead of discussing the message, channel, receiver like other. The main purpose of the theory is to introduce the role of communication in social relationship /society and most vital to maintain social equilibrium within the social system. He does not include the message as a separate purpose of communication showing all communication as a means of sustaining relationship between people.

Basically communication means transferring message from one to another but there are various factors which involves in communication like feedback, channel, noise, gatekeeper etc. any type of communication have- sender & receiver is always constant.

This triangle Model as whole represent our social circle within which we exist & communicate each other more over the tendency of human being is the main thought that this model is going to explain. 

Here this model in triangular format represent as A-B-X System.

A-SENDER

B-RECEIVER  

X- MATTER OF CONCERN

 And we see that –

A -Attitude towards X

A -Attraction towards B

B -Attitude towards X

B-Attraction towards A

Now the model explains that the relationship between A and B is like

> Student and teacher,

> Or government and public,

> Or newspaper and readers.

Factor “X” may affect the flow of communication between A & B, even if Sender and Receiver may work in an exact same flow, thus affect the flow of relationship.  So we can say that the “X” may be like a third persons, issue, topic or policy.

We may try to understand with this example: (A-Instructor B-Participants X- policy)

If an instructor intend to introduce a new policy with an objective to improve  the ability of participants by increasing practice timing four hour to eight hours. And both participants and instructor mutually satisfied and agree to the new policy then the whole communication process maintain its equilibrium status between them. 

Else the flow of communication become troublesome between A and B in the social system and can’t maintain the symmetry or equilibrium status.

So basically the instructor A convince their participants B as possible they can, otherwise adjustment into the policy x and then policy convince them toward it.

So at last the conclusion is that ABX model of communication is the learned response , here communication between the two people that agree to the same issue will be easy and thus in many cases communication may seems not to be available or existing but in cases where the both parties having different views about the issue, every party need to convincing the other party that one party is talking about is the best idea and thus communication will be effective and will take place for quite long period of time.

Practice Questions for UGC NET Jan 2017

1. Which one of the following proposed the “ABX” theory of dyadic attraction ? 
a. Header 
b. Jones 
c. Newcomb 
d. Lombardo 

2. |Government introduce a new policy to increase the working timing of its employee from 8 hours to 10 hours| Using Newcomb model of communication chose the correct option 
a. A – Government     B – Employee    X – Time  
b. A – Government     B – Employee    X – Policy  
c. A – Employee     B – Government    X – Policy  
d. A – Government     B – Employee    X – Introduction 

3. New Comb’s model of communication, which of the following NOT included as separate entity in the model diagram? 
a. Message 
b. Matter of Concern 
c. Receiver 
d. Sender 

4. The model that first attempt to model the mass communication is ............?
a. Gerbner.
b. Westley and MacLean.
c. Berlo.
d. None of the above

5. An abstract understanding of the communication process is ...........?
a. Theories
b. Models
c. Theorist
d. Description

Work Cited:

Berkowitz, L. (Ed.). (n.d.). Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 3). Academic Press New York. Retrieved 2016.

Converse, P. E. (1994). Theodore M Newcomb :A Biographical Memoir by Philip E. Converse. WASHINGTON D.C.: National Academy of Science.

Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (Second Edition ed.). New York: Routledge.

Newcomb, T. M. (1953). An approach to the study of communicative acts. Psychological Review, Vol 60(6).

Sloan, W. D. (1990). Makers of the Media Mind: Journalism Educators and Their Ideas. (W. D. Sloan, Ed.) New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associate, Publishers.

Theodore Newcomb (2016). . In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Newcomb

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Lasswell’s Communication Model: A Discussion to Implicit Meaning

Lasswell’s Communication Model: A Discussion to implicit meaning

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Lasswell's communication model was produced by communication theorist Harold D. Lasswell in 1948.this model of communication also known as action model/ linear model and one way model of communication. As we all know one the most influential and easily applicable communication models. Lasswell’s model is more about the process of communication along with its functions to society; Lasswell advocates about three functions for communication:

• Surveillance of the environment 
• Correlation of components of society
• Cultural transmission between generation

These three functions also known as primary functions of communication. these is to inform educate ,entertain and influence people to make them function smoothly and effectively. Besides that communication has secondary functions too, to perform as well as, through debate and discussions,cultural promotions and integrations .now we  understand what are these function want to describe so.

SURVEILLANCE OF ENVIRONMENT – This is the process of monitoring the behavior of people, objects, or processes within the system for conformity to expected or desired norms in trusted system for security or social control. Although the word surveillance means watching over the term used for all forms like observation and monitoring, in the communication surveillance of environment means seeking out and then transmitting information about the society and all other relevant elements.

CORRELATION OF COMPONENTS OF SOCIETY – This term was used by Lasswell and is an imp function of mass communication. The role of mass media in correlation function was termed as “forum” by Schramm. It means “exchange of comments and criticism” by the help of this correlation or forum people easily understand about the environments and events happening all around.

CULTURAL TRANSMISSION BETWEEN GENERATION- By this function of communication Lasswell wants to say that media educate us toward better living and preserving the values rituals and traditions of society. Mass media provide us an opportunity for culture we have to promote and explore and easily understand about others culture and educate about them too.

Now back on the Lasswell model, as we observe in the model that flow of message in a mix or multicultural society with numerous audiences. The message flows through various channels. This model is also having similarity with Aristotle’s model of communication.

In a basic understanding from this model of communication, we can observe the component “WHO” refers the area of research as “Control Analysis”, which we relate with each five question of the model.

In Lasswell's model, as an analysis too there are five components are used to evaluate the communication process and components. The questions which need to be asked as “Components” to derive answers and get communication process continue.

Let’s examine the different components of Lasswell's Model:-

1. Control analysis- Means to give the sender to have all the power.
2. Content analysis -Means it is associated to stereotyping and representation of different groups politically and also related to the purpose or the motives of the message.
3. Media analysis – Confirms or provides an insight on “Which medium or channel” should be used to apply the utmost power or influence against the receivers.
4. Audience analysis- Means to shows who are the target audience to be manipulated or give proper description about the event
5. Effect analysis -Means it is done that the process starts affecting each one TG {TARGET AUDIENCE}. It is used to predict that the effect of message over the TG is to be spread over everywhere.

Lasswell's model primarily was developed in to analyze and explain Mass Communication, however the model is more popularly used for interpersonal communication or group communication to be promulgate or disseminated the message to various groups in various situations as well.

Lasswell's model was primarily developed to examine the media propaganda of countries, businesses & stake holders .Only  people in power or in government used to have communication mediums such as televisions and radios etc. so that it design accordingly their as no power in the receiver hand.

Lasswell talked about the relationship between presenting of facts and its results in terms of, how it generates different effects? This concept is known as “Effective Communication Process”. The concept of “Effect” makes Lasswell's model non-linear contrasting to its name.  Reason being “Effect” can also be treated as feedback. 

Despite being the model was developed for Mass Communication, the model is applied in practices in various fields including media, because of the component “Effect” was prepared to be further about result of the message.

This model is more likely to the communication model produce by Shannon and Weaver. Their model is more graphical than Lasswell's. George Gerbner, who is the father of the cultivation, expanded Lasswell's model and included the concept of reaction of the receiver. Which we read in our previous blogs also.

Advantage of Lasswell’s model:

• Easy and Simple to understand and apply
• Favorable for almost all types of communication
• The new concept of “Effect” introduced 

Disadvantages of Lasswell's Model:

• Non inclusion of feedback and it overlooking the possibility of noise, is the major criticism from the scholars for Lasswell’s Model.
• Scholars argued that, a communication process can’t be fruitful without feedback.
• The model was termed as linear, also many observed that it has no recommendation on   barriers in the communication process
• Inclusion of general and traditional topic was also one of the concern for which the model was criticized.
• The Excellency of the model “Simplicity” itself also some time gets criticized.
• Another criticism for the model is, It’s assumed to be a propaganda based model and  more focused on the resulting outcome, which generally used for media persuasion or events

Practice Questions for UGC NET Jan 2017:

1. According to Maletzke……………………component of Lasswell’s model properly belongs to sociological and psychological study of the receiver and should therefore not be introduced as an additional component? 

a. Who says? 

b. With what effect? 

c. What? 

d. To whom? 

2. According to The Lasswell Formula, channel capacity refers to the ………… that can be handled by a given channel at any one time?

a. lower limit of information 

b. message forming capacity of source 

c. upper limit of information 

d. message receiving capacity of receiver 

3. In Lasswell's model of communication "Control Analysis" is associated with? 

a. Communicator 

b. Message 

c. Medium 

d. Effect 

4. In Lasswell's model of communication "Message" is associated with…………….analysis? 

a. Control 

b. Content 

c. Media 

d. Effects 

5. Which of the following is NOT a linear model of communication? 

a. Aristotle’s model 

b. Osgood and Schramm's model 

c. Berlo’s Model 

d. Lasswell's model 

6.  Match the following based on Lasswell model of communication:

LIST I: (Questions) (a) Who? (b) Says What? (c) In Which Channel? (d) To Whom? 

LIST II: (Analysis) (1) Media Analysis (2) Content Analysis (3) Audience Analysis (4) Control Analysis 

a. (A:4) (B:2) (C:1) (D:3) 

b. (A:1) (B:3) (C:4) (D:2) 

c. (A:1) (B:3) (C:2) (D:4)

d. (A:3) (B:1) (C:2) (D:4)

Work Cited:

Carr, H. H., Snyder, C. A., & Bailey, B. N. (2012). The Management of Network Security. New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd. Licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia, 329-330.

Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (Second Edition ed.). New York: Routledge

Kumar, K. J. (2010). Mass Communication in India (4th ed.). Jaico Publishing House.

Lasswell, H. (1948) ‘The structure and function of communication in society’ in Bryson, L. (ed.) (1948) The Communication of Ideas, New York: Institute for Religious and Social Studies

Lasswell’s Model. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from http://communicationtheory.org/lasswells-model/

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Gerbner’s General Model: The model that, relates the message to reality

The model that, relates the message to reality: Gerbner’s General Model 1956
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George Gerbner is the legend in field of communication research his works are descriptive as well as very easy to grasp and interesting. He is working as a professor and head of Annenberg School of communication in the University of Pennsylvania. He produces his model of communication in 1956. He stressed on the Dynamic nature of communication in his work and also describe it in factorial form these factors affecting the reliability of communication and very helpful to analyzing the depth study of any communication function in any situation or organization deptt.

According to John Fiske who describe this model in a very easy format that- Gerbner’s model more complex in comparison to Shannon’s model, but we still read it their linear process through the diagram.

The model relate the message to the ‘reality’ i.e. ‘about’ and thus we are unable to approach our question of perception and meaning and that is the communication process which connecting the two alternating dimensions and they are perceptual or receptive and means and control dimensions.

·         Perceptual / horizontal dimension

·         Means and control dimension

Perceptual/Horizontal dimension-The Gerbner’s model start their process of communication with the event E, The event basically is external reality which perceived by M; here M can be a human, machine like camera, phone, microphone anything.

Here the M is the perceiver of E(or receiver of the message) and E is the percept of E1, after the message is perceived by M from E  the remain part is E1 because any man or machine cant perceive the complete event , they only perceived part E1 and the complete process is perceptual dimension where the communication process start.

The relation between E and M has three factor selection, context, and availability. Here M as we know can be human or machine so it can’t be perceiver of the entire event content.  So, M grasp or select only the interesting or needed part from the event and choose or select and filter it.. So the context is based on the psychography or demography of M, means how M’s mood, attitude, culture, and personality for example :-“ how journalist select the news angel in the event and also cant focuses the whole event , so they filter it the unwanted or unnecessary content easily form E event. Because journalist filters it or edits it according to their mood, culture attitude, or press polices.”

Means and Control dimension - In the next stage of this communication model where M becomes the source of the message  which describe completely about E by their own way . Here M produces a statements about the event become SE2 {S- signal or from, E2 – Content created by M}

 And for sending these content or messages M uses the medium or channel over that medium M have the control in relation of lesser or greater degree of control its all depends on M.

Here the question of ‘CONTROL’ relates to the M’s degree of technical sharpness or skill of grasping event, communication power or perception to selecting news angle. Control also is matter of access like does he own this medium means he have all the rights to do anything or produce according to him or he can buy or get to use this medium so that he follows someone else rules and regulation or work under others control.

This process of communication stretched or more describe through the ad infinitum by adding receivers {M2.M3.M4.} They have more perceptions like {SE3…SE4.} of the content statements and perceived events. And of the most important point that message gets changed at every level or according to the situation and perception

Practice Questions for UGC NET Jan 2017

1.George Gerbner expanded Lasswell's model in 1956 to focus on…………………?

a. for what purpose

b. perception and reaction

c. under what circumstances

d. entertainment function

2. Gerbner’s General Model emphasizes the ……… nature of human communication.

a. unipolar

b. dynamic

c. linear

d. bipolar

3. In Gerbner’s General Model  the perceiver of the event "E" is denoted as?

a. E1

b. S

c. SE

d. M

4. In Gerbner’s General Model  the perception is denoted as?

a. E1

b. S

c. SE

d. M

5. In Gerbner’s General Model presence of "S" (Signal) without an "E" (Event) is………?

a. receiver

b. event yet to happen

c. noise

d. encoded

6. Identify the correct chronological order of following communication models

a. Osgood, Gerbner's,  Berlo, Kincaid

b. Gerbner's, Osgood, Berlo, Kincaid

c. Kincaid, Berlo,Osgood, Gerbner's 
d. Berlo,Osgood, Gerbner's, Kincaid

Works Cited:

Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (Second Edition ed.). New York: Routledge.

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