Question

Explain the following semantic barriers to communication :

(i) Badly expressed message

(ii) Faulty translations

(iii) Body language and gesture decoding

Hint:

Semantic barriers are about the meaning of words and signs. Explain how poor wording, wrong translation and misread gestures each change the meaning.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
Semantic barriers are problems with the meaning of words and symbols used in a message. They come from how the message is put into words or understood.
The question asks for three of them: badly expressed message, faulty translations and body language and gesture decoding.
For six marks I give two clear points on each barrier.

Step 2: Badly expressed message:
Sometimes the sender does not have the right words, or uses wrong or vague words, or makes errors in grammar and order.
The receiver then cannot get the real meaning of the message.
Poor choice of words and unclear ideas make the message confusing, so the purpose of the communication is lost.

Step 3: Faulty translations:
In big organisations, a message is often sent in one language and translated into another for the receiver.
If the translator does not know both languages or the technical words well, the meaning changes.
The receiver then acts on a wrong understanding, which causes mistakes and loss.

Step 4: Body language and gesture decoding:
Body language includes facial looks, posture, hand movements and eye contact. These carry meaning along with the spoken words.
If the gestures do not match the words, or the receiver reads the gestures wrongly, the message is misunderstood.
For example, a nod may be read as agreement when the person only means that he is listening.

Final Answer:
Badly expressed messages, faulty translations and wrongly decoded body language are semantic barriers because each one distorts the meaning of the message.