Page 2 - Lesson Note 9

(iii) Faulty translations: Sometimes the communications originally drafted in one

language (e.g., English) need to be translated to the language understandable to
workers (e.g., Hindi). If the translator is not proficient with both the languages,

mistakes may creep in causing different meanings to the communication.
(iv) Unqualified assumptions: Some communications may have certain

assumptions which are subject to different interpretations. For example, a boss
may instruct his subordinate, “Take care of our guest”. Boss may mean that
subordinate should take care of transport, food, accommodation of the guest

until he leaves the place. The subordinate may interpret that guest should be

taken to hotel with care. Actually, the guest suffers due to these unqualified
assumptions.
(v) Technical jargon: It is usually found that specialists use technical jargon while

explaining to persons who are not specialists in the concerned field. Therefore,
they may not understand the actual meaning of many such words.

(vi) Body language and gesture decoding: Every movement of body communicates
some meaning. The body movement and gestures of communicator matters so

much in conveying the message. If there is no match between what is said and
what is expressed in body movements, communications may be wrongly

perceived.

Psychological barriers: Emotional or psychological factors act as barriers to

communicators. For example, a worried person cannot communicate properly
and an angry receiver cannot understand the real meaning of message. The state

of mind of both sender and receiver of communication reflects in the effective
communication. Some of the psychological barriers are:
(i) Premature evaluation: Sometimes people evaluate the meaning of message

before the sender completes his message. Such premature evaluation may be due
to pre-conceived notions or prejudices against the communication.

(ii) Lack of attention: The preoccupied mind of receiver and the resultant non-
listening of message acts as a major psychological barrier. For instance, an

employee explains about his problems to the boss who is pre-occupied with an
important file before him. The boss does not grasp the message and the

employee is disappointed.