Semantic barriers are obstacles in communication that distort the meaning of a message being sent in some way other than how it was intended. Semantic barriers arise due to the different meanings of words and other symbols used in communication. The following are the main types of semantic barriers:
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Denotative barriers: These barriers arise when the sender and receiver disagree with the meaning of a word. They occur when the direct meaning of a word is not shared by both parties.
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Connotative barriers: These barriers arise when people use words that hold different meanings in different abstract situations, contexts, feelings, etc. For example, the word "beautiful" and "confidence" have a positive connotation, but can have any of the meaning depending on the context in which it is used.
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Technical jargons: Often people working in technical groups such as engineers, production managers, IT managers, etc. use technical jargons in their communication which is not easily understood by others.
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Badly expressed message: Use of wrong words, omission of words, and inadequate vocabulary result in badly expressed messages. The intended meaning is not conveyed in such messages.
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Symbols with different meanings: The same word or symbol may carry different meanings perceived by the receiver, leading to communication problems.
Semantic barriers can appear in many different areas, including interpersonal communication, social interaction, and workplace issues. To overcome semantic barriers, people should use simple language, avoid technical jargons, and ensure that the message is well-expressed and understood by the receiver.
